Volunteer With Us

Get involved with us at the 36th Teddy Bears' Picnic – an iconic annual event held at the historic Rippon Lea House and Gardens. This much-loved event, held in the beautiful gardens, will be bigger and better than ever with brand new activities, games and sights to see. Featuring live entertainment, face painters, old fashioned games, craft activities, fairground rides and much, much more. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and responsible volunteers to support the successful delivery of this Event

Event details

Date of event: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: Rippon Lea House and Gardens (192 Hotham St, Elsternwick 3185)

Volunteer Roles include

Face Painters
Children’s Activities Assistants
Craft Stations Assistants 
Story Tellers
Old Fashion Games Attendants
Admissions / Ticket Sales Officers 
Customer Service Volunteers

Please specify on your application which role you are interested in. 

You will be one of a team of volunteers guided by our staff and registered volunteer cohort. The National Trust is a not for profit organisation that aims to conserve Australia’s history and heritage for present and future generations.

Knowledge and Skills required  

• Good Customer service skills desirable
• Engaging audiences specifically families desirable
• Positive work ethic appreciated
• Experience is not always necessary

Volunteer Benefits include  

• Social and community benefits
• Connection to meet people with similar interests and make new friends. 
• Opportunity to join a community of volunteers, with regular meetings and opportunities for attendance at events and outings organised by NTAV. 
• Chance to make a positive difference to our cultural heritage 

Training and skill development 

• National Trust general induction for all volunteers.
• Site Induction 

You will be one of a team of experienced volunteers. The National Trust is a not for profit organisation that aims to conserve Australia’s history and heritage for present and future generations. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer.  Volunteers are required to have a current Working with Children’s Card (free for volunteers) and police check which you can apply for as part of the application process.  

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), please fill in an application form via the Better Impact Portal. 

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity, and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies. 

We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.