Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Communities at Work!
Communities at Work is the largest not-for-profit community organisation in the ACT region. We provide a wide range of early education and care services and community services in the ACT and Capital region. Our Social Programs serve the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Canberra and the surrounding region, including low income families and individuals, those experiencing homelessness, people escaping domestic violence and at-risk young people.
By providing food, clothing and essential services, Communities at Work empowers people to create better futures and helps foster independence, resilience and social connection.
By volunteering with Communities at Work, you will have the opportunity to share your skills and experience for the benefit of many people in need. You will also:
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Meet new people and make new friends
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Feel part of your community
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Expand your skills
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Gain a sense of achievement
Applying is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
1. Click on the 'Fill in an application' button on the top right hand side of this screen, then complete and submit your Volunteer Application form. If you would like a copy of the form posted to you or would like some assistance filling out the Volunteer Application (both with online and paper versions) please contact caw.volunteers@commsatwork.org or call 6293 6500.
2. Lodge the Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) application for registration at Access Canberra if you do not currently hold a WWVP card (please note: all volunteers are required to have a current registration before volunteering with us). If you do, bring the card with you when we meet.
3. Attend a meeting to discuss volunteering options. The Communities at Work team will be in touch with you to set this up.
We take great care to match our volunteers with the tasks available, within the services we provide. You can see the volunteer opportunities we have below.
Successful applicants (who have their WWVP card) will then be invited to attend a Communities at Work induction session on specific program based activities.
Please note that we do not consider student placements, work experience, Work for the Dole or Return to Work type activities as volunteering. For these opportunities, please get in touch with our People Culture and Wellness Team - people@commsatwork.org
If you have any questions let us know by contacting: caw.volunteers@commsatwork.org or 6293 6500.
We look forward to hearing from you!
I would like to volunteer
Get Social
Our Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Coordinator South Canberra Community Markets
The Volunteer South Canberra Community Markets Coordinator leads the planning, coordination and delivery of the South Canberra Community Markets.
Working in partnership with Lions Youth Haven and Galilee School, this role oversees market operations, including volunteer coordination, stallholder engagement and event logistics. The coordinator plays a key role in ensuring each market is safe, well-organised and welcoming, supporting local businesses, strengthening community connections and contributing to positive community outcomes.
The South Canberra Community Markets are run on the first Saturday of most months – excluding Canberra winter months and January.
Food Rescue Assistant Volunteer
The Food Rescue Assistant plays an important volunteer role in supporting Communities at Work’s Food Rescue Program.
The Food Rescue Program collects surplus food from licenced food businesses and retail outlets to reduce food waste and redistribute safe, quality food to people experiencing hardship. Rescued food is supplied to Communities at Work Community Pantries and shared with partner agencies supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
The Food Rescue Assistant supports the Food Rescue Driver in the safe collection, handling, transportation, sorting and distribution of donated food. This role contributes directly to food security outcomes across the ACT community while ensuring compliance with food safety, workplace safety and organisational policies.
Infusion Program Support Volunteer - Tuggeranong
The Infusion Program is designed to provide a relaxed space where the community can come together to connect, share, and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and refreshments. The Infusion program also provides Communities at Work’s Community Development program with the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of community members, to build their understanding of community strengths, local assets and to capture community ideas.
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Tuggeranong Infusion - Mondays - 11:30 am- 1:30 pm (except public holidays)
Infusion Program Support Volunteer - Ngunnawal
The Infusion Program is designed to provide a relaxed space where the community can come together to connect, share, and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and refreshments. The Infusion program also provides Communities at Work’s Community Development program with the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of community members, to build their understanding of community strengths, local assets and to capture community ideas.
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- Ngunnawal Infusion - Thursdays 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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- - Fridays 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
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- Ngunnawal Infusion - Thursdays 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Infusion Program Support Volunteer - Gungahlin
The Infusion Program is designed to provide a relaxed space where the community can come together to connect, share, and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and refreshments. The Infusion program also provides Communities at Work’s Community Development program with the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of community members, to build their understanding of community strengths, local assets and to capture community ideas.
- Gungahlin Infusion - Thursdays – 9:00 am – 11:30 am (school terms only)
Nature Journal Circle Volunteer - EOI
Seeking expressions of interest!
The Nature Journal Circle is an activity within the 'A Window into Wellness' initiative, facilitated by the Community Development (CD) program. It is a simple activity, where participants are taken to various locations to participate in a gentle walk, then time to sit, relax, chat and journal as a group. This activity is designed to strengthen community connections, connections to place and to provide simple strategies for self-care.
Community Pantry Volunteer - Tuggeranong
Our Community Pantries (located at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin) provide food and crisis support to individuals and families experiencing hardship in the Canberra region.
With a pantry full of healthy food and essential items (available for free or for a nominal charge), our clients can 'shop' in a safe, secure and dignified setting.
Nature Journal Circle Volunteer
The Nature Journal Circle, is an activity within the 'A Window into Wellness' initiative, facilitated by the CD program. It is a simple activity, where participants are taken to various locations to participate in a gentle walk, then time to sit, relax, chat and journal as a group. This activity is designed to strengthen community connections, connections to place, and to provide simple strategies for self-care.
When weather is not suitable for outdoor activities it will be held indoors.
This position would be ideal for those who are comfortable in outdoor environments and have an appreciation of nature.
This activity is an invitation for volunteers to also participate and experience the benefits of this activity. The session will operate on the last Friday of each Month, and the community minibus is also available for volunteers to access for this activity (weekends excluded).
Community Pantry Volunteer - Gungahlin
Our Community Pantries (located at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin) provide food and crisis support to individuals and families experiencing hardship in the Canberra region.
With a pantry full of healthy food and essential items (available for free or for a nominal charge), our clients can 'shop' in a safe, secure and dignified setting.
Volunteer shifts in the Community Pantry are available morning or afternoon, Monday to Friday.
English Conversation Group Volunteer - Denman Prospect
Donation Driver
Communities at Work undertake a wide range of fundraising activities to help support the delivery of our Community Service Programs, including regular food and clothing drives.
This volunteer role assists and supports Communities at Work collections of food/clothing donations and returning them to Tuggeranong Community Centre for counting, recording and sorting.
Volunteer shifts are during business hours, Monday to Friday.
Vision, Purpose, and Values
Our Vision
Our community is connected and thriving
Our Purpose
We are community-focused, and person-centered in meeting diverse community needs
Our Values
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Compassion
We treat others with respect, dignity, kindness and empathy
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Quality
We deliver high-quality programs and services that meet stakeholder expectations, pursuing excellent in every aspect of our operations
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Collaboration
We work together and with partners to meet community needs
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Learning
We are committed to lifelong learning opportunities for our community and workforce
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Safety
We believe that every person deserves to work, learn, and interact in an environment free from harm, where their physical, psychological, and cultural safety is protected
