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RFDS Volunteering Portal For all volunteers who work with us to achieve better health, wellbeing and social connection for people living in regional, rural and remote locations across Victoria, we welcome you to our growing online volunteering community.

Why volunteer with the RFDS?

Volunteering with an organisation you are passionate about is a fantastic way to give back and get involved with your community. 

Voluntary service can help you to build confidence, develop professional and social networks, find a path into a new career or into active retirement, and achieve positive and collective social impact by working as part of a dedicated team. 

Here at RFDS Victoria, our volunteers have the opportunity to meet people, learn or practice skills and make a real difference in the lives of people across regional, rural and remote Victoria. 

No matter where our volunteers are located, they are all part of the one community, contributing to the legacy of a true Australian icon by breaking down the barriers to accessing health care, wellbeing support and social connection for communities across our state.

Frequently asked questions

Will I gain paid work at RFDS Victoria if I volunteer first? 

Generally speaking, volunteering has proven to be a pathway to employment for some people. We are unable to guarantee that volunteering will result in paid employment. Much of that depends on how well you perform, the capabilities you can demonstrate and the job requirements for any employment positions that may become available while you are volunteering. The responsibility will be yours to keep up-to-date with positions vacant and to apply for any positions for which you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Can I get a reference? 

RFDS Victoria does not provide written references, however you are welcome to request your volunteer supervisor to provide you with a verbal reference. Your supervisor has the discretion to accept or decline your request. 

Will I be paid? 

No. Volunteer work is unpaid. 

Is financial support available? 

Volunteers will be reimbursed for any pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses, subject to the provision of tax receipts and relevant form.  

Am I guaranteed a volunteer position if I apply? 

We cannot guarantee a volunteer place for all applicants.  

Can I volunteer to fulfil my Centrelink requirements? 

Centrelink clients are welcome to apply for any volunteer roles that match their skills and availability. Your Program Coordinator can verify hours to help you to satisfy requirements, however may be unable to guarantee the number of hours required.

If you are a Centrelink client and need support to fulfil your obligations, please make this known during the application process so that staff can assess if your needs can be met and arrange as necessary to provide any agreed administrative support. 

Do I need a Police Check? 

Some volunteer roles require volunteers to carry higher levels of responsibility and trust than other roles. Where appropriate to the role, a police check will be required and this will be noted in the relevant position information.

Where required, preferred candidates for a role will be required to complete a police check as part of our selection process. This is to confirm their suitability to serve as a volunteer for RFDS. RFDS will cover the cost of this check and guide applicants as necessary to complete the process via our checking system. 

Any disclosable findings will be treated with utmost respect and strict confidentiality and in the case of any reportable findings, our People and Culture team will work with the applicant to determine if these findings are relevant. Relevant findings will disqualify applicants from the role in question.

Do I need any other kind of check? 

Many volunteer roles require special qualifications, experience and skills. Where there are work requirements, these will be stated in the volunteer position description associated with the advertised role. Please check position information for details. 

Will someone support me when I volunteer? 

RFDSV volunteers are allocated a member of staff to turn to for guidance.

Our volunteers are provided with information, training and ongoing support, so that they know how to work safely and deliver the necessary standard of service. This may include formal, or on the job training, and written or verbal instructions. The primary contact assigned to each volunteer will inform their volunteers when they can be available for questions and how to request extra support if needed.  

Can I fulfil my high school community service or Duke of Edinburgh Award requirements by volunteering with RFDSV? 

No. Due to the nature of our work and lack of specialist resources to supervise children and young people in our workplace, we do not offer volunteer roles for people aged under eighteen years.

To find community service opportunities that are suitable for young people, please try contacting a specialist agency such as Volunteering Victoria, go online to GoVolunteer.com.au and check out the Student Volunteering options, try Scouts, Guides, your local council and service clubs.

Does RFDSV offer volunteering opportunities that involve air travel? 

No. We do not offer this type of volunteering opportunity. There are plenty of opportunities to be involved in on-road transport but not flight. 

What if I have further questions? 

For more information, please contact our friendly People & Culture Team by emailing hr@rfdsvic.com.au

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