Here you will find a listing of the current opportunities available to volunteer with us. To register your interest, simply click on the "fill in an application" link.

Yarra City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we value and respect the diversity of our workforce. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, however you must be 18 years or older to volunteer with us.

If you have further questions about volunteering with us, email volunteer@yarracity.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 9205 5437.

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Our current volunteer opportunities

Thread Together Store Volunteer - Learning Bank

 

Are you passionate about fashion, community welfare, or the environment?

 

Do you have retail and / or customer service experience? 

 

Do you want to make a real difference to people's lives through clothing?

 

We are taking applications for volunteers to add value to the delivery of the Thread Together Store. This is an exciting program at the Learning Bank community space in Victoria Street North Richmond, a partnership between Yarra City Council and the Victorian Government. 

 

You will provide a friendly face and engaging shopping experience for vulnerable community members using the store, whilst helping reduce unsold clothing going to landfill. 
 
You will benefit by meeting new people, learning new skills in a retail environment, whilst having fun and receiving training and support throughout your volunteering experience. 

 

This volunteer position offers a variety of time commitments; from 2 hours a week to once a month (flexible).

 

For more information contact the Learning Bank learningbank@yarracity.vic.gov.au  

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Yarra Logo 

 
 
 
 

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

ROLE TITLE: 

 
 
 
 

Thread Together Store Volunteer  

 
 
 
 

REPORTS TO: 

 
 

Retail Officer 

 
 
 
 

UNIT: 

BRANCH: 

DIVISION: 

 
 

Economic Development 

Yarra City Council 

City Strategy, Community Strengthening  

 
 
 
 

POLICE CHECK REQUIRED: 

 
 

YES 

 
 

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED: 

 
 

YES 

 
 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED: 

 
 

NO 

 

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people, young people, older people, women, and people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer. 

 

We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.

OVERVIEW 

Yarra City Council supports volunteers and leaders of volunteers with skills development, awards and events, networking, grants, discounted venue hire and partnerships with other community organisations.  

Volunteer involvement is a critical part of our society. It enhances civic life and helps build strong, inclusive, and resilient communities. Volunteer contributions are crucial to the success of many community projects, programs and events in the City of Yarra whilst providing benefits to the volunteers themselves.  

In partnership with the Victorian Government, Yarra City Council operates the Learning Bank, located in the former Commonwealth Bank on Victoria Street. Learning Bank is a community space offering programs workshops and activities that support the North Richmond community and local economy. 

Additionally, not-for-profit Thread Together Clothing Hub operates from within the Learning Bank. 

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Thread Together is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with fashion brands and retailers to redirect brand-new, end-of-line clothing and footwear that would otherwise go to landfill. Within the Thread Together Clothing Hub, these items are provided to people in need, with a strong focus on restoring dignity and offering genuine choice to our community’s most vulnerable, without judgement.

Thread Together Clothing Hubs are designed to recreate an authentic retail experience. Referred individuals can browse, try on and select clothing in a safe, welcoming and dignified environment.

 

ROLE OBJECTIVE 

City of Yarra Volunteers will work alongside Learning Bank staff to add capacity to the delivery of our Thread Together store program.

 

KEY TASKS 

  • Welcome and assist clients in selecting clothing that meets their needs.
  • Prepare and maintain stock, including merchandising, steaming, and restocking items.
  • Unpack deliveries and organise clothing by hanging or folding as required.
  • Ensure visual merchandising is appealing and aligned with store standards.
  • Respond to public inquiries about Thread Together or direct them to the appropriate contact.
  • Provide excellent customer service to create a positive experience for clients.
  • Support administrative tasks as needed.
  • Perform other duties as directed by the Venue and Operations Officer.

 

TIME COMMITMENT & LOCATION 

You may choose to volunteer for one session a week, month or fortnight at a time that best suits you. The shift times will be:

Tuesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (3hrs) 

AND / OR 

Tuesday 1:00pm – 4:00pm (3hrs) 

AND / OR 

Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (3hrs) 

AND / OR 

Wednesday 1:00pm – 3:00pm (2hrs)  

AND / OR 

Thursday 10:00am – 1:00pm (3hrs) 

AND / OR 

Thursday 1:00pm – 3:00pm (2hrs) 

We are flexible and will do our best to accommodate alternative arrangements if these shifts don't suit you.

The location of this volunteer program is at the Learning Bank, 124 Victoria Street, North Richmond.

 

KEY REQUIREMENTS/ ATTRIBUTES

  • Be compassionate, empathetic, culturally sensitive, with strong communication skills and an appreciation that everyone has a unique story to share; 
  • Have an understanding of the principles of dealing with Community members in a kind and respectful manner;
  • Enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people with a diverse social and cultural backgrounds – this may include people with mobility and communication barriers;
  • Able to work in a team or autonomously as required;
  • Comfortable with the physical requirements of the role including potentially moving stock and hanging up clothing;
  • Have, or willing to obtain, a current police check and Working with Children Check; and
  • Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months. 

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT 

All volunteers are required to attend a short induction session about the volunteer program and any training specific to your volunteering role to enable you to feel confident in undertaking the tasks.  

Compulsory online training modules required for this role includes:  

  • Volunteer induction (including code of conduct and health and safety) 
  • Child safety  

 You will be provided with ongoing support from your Volunteer Supervisor with opportunities for feedback. 

 

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 

Reports to: Thread Together Retail Officer 

Internal Liaisons: All staff and volunteers 

External Liaisons: Members of the public and partnering organisations 

___________________________________________________________________ 

 

We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement. 

___________________________________________________________________ 

Carlton Library Community Garden Volunteer

Grow your gardening skills and your social connections!

Joining this unique community garden program is a great way to connect with your local community, grow fresh food, learn and share skills and spend time in nature.

For more information contact yarralibraries@yarracity.vic.gov.au otherwise get your online expression of interest form in HERE.


Yarra Logo

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

ROLE TITLE:

Community Garden Volunteer

REPORTS TO:

Carlton Library Team Leader

UNIT:
BRANCH:
DIVISION:

Library Services
Libraries, Arts & Events
Community Strengthening

POLICE CHECK REQUIRED:

Yes

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED:

Yes

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED:

No

           

 

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people. Our values Accountability, Respect and Courage underpin how we work and our efforts to build a culture based on positive relationships with colleagues and the community.

 

 

Program overview

 

Carlton Library’s community garden is designed to support sustainable living and community learning. The garden grows seasonal produce primarily for seed saving, which feeds into the library’s Seed Library program. This helps residents access free seeds and learn about gardening, sustainability, and food security.

 

ROLE OBJECTIVE

 

To assist with the ongoing care and maintenance of the Carlton Library community garden, ensuring healthy plant growth and successful seed harvesting. The role also involves coordinating with other volunteers to share responsibilities and maintain a consistent care schedule.

 

KEY TASKS & REQUIREMENTS

Garden Maintenance

  • Watering plants according to seasonal needs.
  • Removing weeds and managing soil health.
  • Pruning and trimming plants as required.
  • Removing diseased or damaged produce to prevent spread.
  • Harvesting produce for seed saving and preparing seeds for drying/storage. 

Seed Library Support

  • Collecting seeds from harvested produce.
  • Labelling and storing seeds for library distribution.

Peer Volunteer Coordination

  • Liaising with other garden volunteers to organise a general roster.
  • Sub-delegating tasks such as watering, weeding, pruning, and seed collection.
  • Communicating via email or agreed channels to ensure coverage during absences.

General Duties

  • Attend regular meetings (seasonal, or as agreed) with the Library Team Leader to discuss garden progress, issues, and upcoming tasks.
  • Monitoring plant health and reporting issues to the Volunteer Supervisor.
  • Maintaining a tidy and safe garden space for public access.
  • Engaging with library visitors who show interest in the garden.

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES

  • Interest in gardening and sustainability.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Good communication and organisational skills.
  • Reliability and commitment to regular attendance.

 

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT

 

  • Induction session covering health and safety requirements
  • Access to the Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct, and Volunteer Agreement.
  • Ongoing support from the Carlton Library Team Leader as role supervisor.

 

 

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

Reports to:                  Carlton Library Team Leader

Internal Liaisons:         All staff and volunteers

External Liaisons:        Members of the public

 Partnering organisations (e.g. Cultivating Community)

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement.

__________________________________________________________________

Street Library Replenishment Volunteer

Love books? Love community? We've got the perfect role for you!

Join our vibrant community‑led initiative and play a key role in keeping our local Street Libraries thriving.

As a Street Library Volunteer, you’ll be out and about replenishing books, sparking joy, and helping neighbours discover their next great read. It’s a simple way to make a BIG difference — and a fun excuse to explore your neighbourhood!

For more information contact yarralibraries@yarracity.vic.gov.au otherwise get your online expression of interest form in HERE.


Yarra Logo

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

ROLE TITLE:

Street Library Replenishment Volunteer

REPORTS TO:

Collections & Local History Librarian

UNIT:
BRANCH:
DIVISION:

Library Services
Libraries, Arts & Events
Community Strengthening

POLICE CHECK REQUIRED:

Yes

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED:

Yes

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED:

No

           

 

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people. Our values Accountability, Respect and Courage underpin how we work and our efforts to build a culture based on positive relationships with colleagues and the community.

 

 

Program overview

 

Street Libraries across the municipality serve as informal book-exchange hubs for the community. Yarra City Council contributes by periodically restocking these libraries with pre‑loved books that have been de‑commissioned from the Yarra Libraries collection.

Volunteers help sustain this program by collecting suitable titles from Fitzroy Library (or as assigned) and replenishing designated Street Libraries. While Yarra City Council does not own or maintain these libraries, our volunteers play an important role in activating and sustaining their utility and reporting any damage or maintenance needs to the relevant owners or contacts.

 

ROLE OBJECTIVE

 

To support community access to reading by reliably restocking designated Street Libraries with de‑commissioned Yarra Libraries materials, maintaining a tidy and inviting presentation, and promptly reporting any damage or maintenance issues to the library owners or nominated contacts.

 

KEY TASKS & REQUIREMENTS


Stock Collection & Preparation

  • Collect pre‑selected, de‑commissioned library books from Fitzroy Library (or alternate library branches as required) at agreed times.
  • Check items meet agreed selection guidelines (e.g., clean, intact, appropriate content).
  • Pack books safely for transport (e.g., sturdy bags/boxes; managing weight to avoid injury).


Restocking & Presentation

  • Travel to assigned Street Libraries within the City of Yarra (walking, cycling or preferred transport method).
  • Replenish shelves with suitable books, noting some street libraries may have a ‘theme’ or be suitable for adult/children’s materials only)
  • Arrange books neatly to ensure an inviting, accessible presentation.


Monitoring & Reporting

  • Report damage or maintenance needs (e.g., broken door, water ingress, graffiti) to the library owners or nominated contacts.
  • Log replenishment activity (date/time, location, number of items added, observations) using the agreed template or app.
  • Flag any patterns (e.g., consistently overfull or frequently empty locations) to the Volunteer Supervisor.


Route Planning & Logistics

  • Maintain punctuality and reliability for agreed schedules, noting work may be seasonal and subject to demand from street library owners and the availability of pre-loved materials.
  • Safely manage manual handling (limit weight per bag/box; use trolleys where practical).


Safety & Compliance

  • Follow Yarra Libraries’ induction, OHS practices and manual handling guidance.
  • Wear any supplied identification (e.g., volunteer lanyard) while carrying out duties.
  • Respect private property boundaries; Street Libraries may be hosted on private property.

 

Community Engagement

  • Engage courteously with community members who show interest in the program.
  • Provide general information about Yarra Libraries if prompted (e.g., how to join, branch locations) and refer queries beyond scope to library staff.

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES

  • Reliability and ability to work independently.
  • Good communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Basic organisational skills (route planning, record‑keeping).
  • Physical capacity to carry modest loads safely (with support tools e.g. trolleys if needed).

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT

  • Induction session covering health and safety requirements, manual handling, program scope and boundaries.
  • Access to the Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct, and Volunteer Agreement.
  • Orientation to the Street Library network: locations, owners/contacts, reporting processes.
  • Ongoing support from the Collections & Local History Librarian as role supervisor.

 

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

Reports to:                  Collections & Local History Librarian

Internal Liaisons:        All staff and volunteers

External Liaisons:       Members of the public

Partnering organisations (e.g. Neighbourhood Houses)

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement.

__________________________________________________________________

Fitzroy Library - Chatty Cafe Volunteer

Do you enjoy having conversations with people from different backgrounds?

Would you like to help people feel more socially connected?

Join the Yarra Library volunteer team.

For more information contact yarralibraries@yarracity.vic.gov.au otherwise get your online expression of interest form in HERE.


VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

 

ROLE TITLE:

Chatty Cafe - Fitzroy Library Volunteer

REPORTS TO:

Fitzroy Library staff

UNIT:

BRANCH:

DIVISION:

Library Services
Libraries, Arts & Events
Community Strengthening

POLICE CHECK REQUIRED:

YES

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED:

YES

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED:

NO

           

 

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all.

 

We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.

 

Our values Accountability, Respect and Courage underpin how we work and our efforts to build a culture based on positive relationships with colleagues and the community.

 

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 

The Chatty Café Scheme is a registered charity that encourages community-focused hospitality and social venues across Australia to provide shared 'Chatty' tables. The Scheme has been rolled out in cafés, pubs, restaurants, community centres, libraries, and hospitals – anywhere people can sit and chat over a coffee. Yarra Libraries incorporated this program in 2022 and it has been successfully run at the Fitzroy branch. 

 

The Chatty Café Program aims to kickstart conversations, get people talking to increase safe and respectful social connections within a community and possibly reduce loneliness along the way.

 

The Chatty Café staff are not professional therapists and will be provided with cards listing crisis hotlines for patrons requiring additional support.

 

ROLE OBJECTIVE

 

Volunteers will work alongside Yarra Libraries staff to add capacity to the delivery of our library-based Chatty Cafe program.

 

City of Yarra.VVolunteers will work alongside Yarra Libraries staff to add capacity to the delivery of our library-based Chatty Cafe program.

 

City of Yarra.VVolunteers will work alongside Yarra Libraries staff to add capacity to the delivery of our library-based Chatty Cafe program.

 

 

 

KEY TASKS

 

  • Assist with the setting up Chatty Café trolley and organising the café space in the library by such tasks as: putting out tea, coffee, hot water urn, flyers –
  • Assist with pack down of the Chatty Café by bringing the session to a close, removing trolley, washing dishes, putting away supplies
  • Offer information on local social and library services, for example, letting them know that library can offer digital literacy assistance to the patrons who attend the Chatty café. 
  • Sit with café users ensuring safe, respectful, enjoyable conversation by stimulating and guiding the conversation as necessary (conversation cards may be used if required).
  • Inform library staff when coffee, tea, and other supplies need restocking.

 

 

TIME COMMITMENT & LOCATION

 

Chatty Cafe runs every Monday from 10am - 1pm.

The duration of volunteer's time can be negotiated if there are a few volunteers in this role.

 

Fitzroy Library, 128 Moor St, Fitzroy Victoria 3065.

 

KEY REQUIREMENTS/ ATTRIBUTES

 KEY REQUIREMENTS/ ATTRIBUTES 

 

  • You will need to be compassionate, empathetic, comfortable speaking with people, and embrace the idea that everyone has a story to tell.
  • Enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people with a diverse social and cultural backgrounds – this may include people with mobility and communication barriers.
  • Able to work in a team or autonomously as required.
  • Comfortable with the physical requirements of the role including potentially moving some furniture such as chairs or coffee tables.
  • Have current police check, Working with Children card (we can support you with these checks).
  • Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months.

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT

 

All volunteers are required to attend a short induction session about the Chatty Cafe volunteer program and any training specific to your volunteering role to enable you to feel confident in undertaking the tasks.

 

Compulsory online training modules required for this role includes:

  • Volunteering at Council induction (including code of conduct and health and safety)
  • Child safety

 

You will be provided with ongoing support from your Volunteer Supervisor with opportunities for feedback.

 

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

Reports to:                  Library staff

Internal Liaisons:         All staff and volunteers

External Liaisons:       Members of the public

Partnering organisations

 

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement.

___________________________________________________________________

Future Pathways Mentor

 

Do you like working with young people?

Here's the perfect volunteer role for you.

Yarra Youth Services are looking for volunteers to play an important mentor role in helping young people apply for jobs, write CVs and cover letters, as well as search and apply for courses in tertiary education. 

For more information regarding the Future Pathways Volunteer Mentor role please contact Naima Ali, Youth SupporWorker- Pathways on 9426 1455 / 0458 048 481 or email Naima.Ali@yarracity.vic.gov.au 

 

Yarra Logo 

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION 

 

ROLE TITLE: 

Future Pathways Volunteer Mentor 

REPORTS TO: 

Youth Support Worker- Pathways 

UNIT: 

BRANCH: 

DIVISION: 

Youth Services 

Family, Youth and Children’s Services  

Community Strengthening 

POLICE CHECK REQUIRED:  

YES 

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED: 

YES 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED: 

NO 

 

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all.  

 

We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people. 

 

Our values Accountability, Respect and Courage underpin how we work and our efforts to build a culture based on positive relationships with colleagues and the community. 

 

 

Program overview 

 

Future Pathways is a weekly, term-based program led by Youth Support Worker-Pathways at the Fitzroy Library. The program is drop in and pairs young people with staff and volunteer to provide one to one education, employment and training support. The program also supports students on their placement to gain direct practice experience with young people and complete their required hours for their study. 

 

The key features of the Future Pathways program are: 

 

  • Building the skills and confidence needed to gain and maintain employment
  • Applying for TAFE or university
  • Connecting young people with employment, education and training opportunities
  • Helping young people understand pathways into education and training
  • Creating or update resumes
  • Writing effective cover letters
  • Applying for jobs, internships or apprenticeships
  • Developing interview skills and confidence
  • Understanding workplace expectations
  • Referral pathways to other community organisations and training providers
  • Understanding workplace expectations
  • Career and industry advice 

 

ROLE OBJECTIVE 

The volunteer role will support the Future Pathways program to achieve the following key outcomes:  

 

  • Support young people to build their skills, confidence, networks and capacity to successfully navigate education, employment and training pathways
  • Provide individualised support for young people participating in Future Pathways Program
  • Engage and build rapport with young people including from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and gender diverse backgrounds
  • Engage with program stakeholders and partner organisations as directed by Youth Support Worker- Pathways
  • Adhere to privacy and confidentiality, inclusive practice, child safety standards and OHS regulations 

 

Time Commitment:  Wednesday 4pm – 7pm (3 hours)  

 

Location: Fitzroy Library 

 

Key requirement:     A minimum of 6-month commitment is required however 12-month period is preferred from February to December 2026. The program does not run during school holidays. 

 

Screening checks:  National Police Check (funded) 

Working with Children Check (free for volunteers) 

KEY ATTRIBUTES 

 

  • Enjoy engaging with young people with a variety of lived experiences
  • Able to work in a team or autonomously as required
  • Confident using digital technology and strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months. 

 

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT 

 

  • All volunteerare required to attend a short induction session about the volunteer program. This includes completing the compulsory child safety and any other training specific to your volunteering role to enable you to feel confident in undertaking the tasks.
  • You will be provided with ongoing support from your Volunteer Supervisor with opportunities for feedback. 

 

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 

 

Reports to:            Youth Support Worker- Pathways  

Internal Liaisons:   Youth Services staff

                             Other staff and volunteers within the organisation as required 

External Liaisons:  Members of the public

                                        Partnering organisations 

 

 

___________________________________________________________________ 

 

We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Companion Animal Support Program Volunteer

Do you love dogs and going for walks?

Do you want to make a real difference to people’s lives?

If yes, volunteering with Yarra City Council’s Companion Animal Program is a great way to combine these passions to make a positive impact on our community.

You will benefit by making a new friendship with the pet and its owner, get exercise and have lots of fun, whilst receiving training and support throughout your volunteering experience. 

For more information contact the Positive Ageing Program Officer, email sarah.mathers@yarracity.vic.gov.au or phone 0456 360 047.


VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

 

ROLE TITLE:

Volunteer - Companion Animal Support Program (CASP)

REPORTS TO:

Community Engagement Officer

UNIT:

BRANCH:

DIVISION:

Healthy and Active Ageing

Aged and Disability Services

Community Wellbeing

POLICE CHECK REQUIRED:

YES

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED:

YES

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED:

NO

           

 

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all.

 

We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.

 

Our values Accountability, Respect and Courage underpin how we work and our efforts to build a culture based on positive relationships with colleagues and the community.

 

 

Program overview

 

For many people pets are the most important companion in their lives, but illness, disability or frailty can make caring for pets too difficult to manage alone.

 

The Companion Animal Support Program (CASP) aims to help eligible residents in the City of Yarra, aged over 65 or people who have a disability, improve their quality of life by addressing social isolation and health and wellbeing.

 

Volunteers play a crucial role in the successful delivery of this program. They are matched with a pet owner to provide these wellbeing benefits for both pet and its owner through regular home visits and dog walking.

 

As a valued member of the Yarra City Council CASP team, volunteers will have the opportunity to get active, enjoy some time with a dog that they otherwise don’t have responsibilities for, as well as connect with and make a real difference to people’s lives.

 

ROLE OBJECTIVE

 

The Companion Animal Support Program volunteer will assist eligible residents, living in the City of Yarra, to care for their companion animal, and also provides companionship to the resident.

 

Please note;

  • to be eligible to volunteer for this program you must be 18 years of age (or older);
  • if you are a parent and want to take your child/ren on the dog walking duties please be aware that as a registered volunteer only you will be covered by council's insurance, not your child/ren and you will be fully responsible for their safety whilst undertaking this task; 
  • due to risk management, volunteers are not able to bring their own dog whilst walking the client's dog.

 

KEY TASKS & requirements

 

  • Assist with the delivery of the Companion Animal Support Program for eligible residents (patron) living in the City of Yarra;
  • Visit patron on a regular basis (e.g. weekly) to walk their dog;
  • Offer the patron a friendly face and a bit of a chat;
  • Respect the rights of patron and exercise duty of care at all times, this includes decisions made by the patron regarding the care of their animal;
  • Provide the Coordinator with a record of dates and times of visits;
  • Communicate any feedback, issues or concerns during visits to the Coordinator, this includes if you are asked to undertake any financial or legal responsibilities or any other tasks outside the duties on this role description eg grocery shopping, as Council may be able to offer other services that can assist the patron;
  • If you plan to drive you will need to use your own car, possess a valid Victorian Drivers Licence and ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. Comprehensive insurance is desirable. There are other transport options including use of our e-bikes;
  • Comply with OHS requirements;
  • Have a current (or willing to obtain) a National Police Check, Working with Children card; and
  • Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months.

 

TIME COMMITMENT

 

  • 1 hour, once or twice a week (as agreed) for a minimum period of 6 months.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES

 

  • Interest and experience in caring for dogs;
  • Enjoy engaging with a variety of people from different social and cultural backgrounds, in particular older persons - but this may include people with mobility and communication barriers;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Be compassionate, cheerful and positive;
  • Demonstrated reliability;
  • Able to work autonomously; and
  • Respect confidentiality.

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT

 

All volunteers are required to attend a short induction session regarding the program and undertake basic training in safe animal handling specific to this volunteering role to enable you to feel safe and confident in undertaking the tasks.

 

Compulsory online training modules required for this role includes:

  • Volunteer induction (including code of conduct and health and safety)
  • Child safety

 

You will be provided with ongoing support from the Program Coordinator with opportunities for feedback throughout the program lifespan.

 

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

Reports to:                  Community Engagement Officer

Internal Liaisons:         Aged and Disability Services Branch

External Liaisons:        Members of the public

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement.

 

Seniors & Sprouts Volunteer

From little things, big things grow.

Enjoy the rewarding experience of participating in a kindergarten program for 4-year-olds.

Our expanded Seniors and Sprouts program invites senior residents to spend an hour a week with a kindergarten class to promote social engagement and community connections.

Research shows intergenerational activities foster mutual respect, compassion, and empathy. Young children develop greater social acceptance, while seniors enjoy improved quality of life, cognitive health, and reduced social isolation. It’s a win-win that combats ageism, promotes mental health, and strengthens community ties.

Requirements:

  • Age 65+
  • Working with Children Check (free for volunteers)
  • Attend an information session, prior to the commencement of the program
 
Time commitments:
 
A 90-minute information session will be held in early October.
 
The sessions are 1 hour per week for 7 weeks, programs commencing mid-October 2026.

For more information:

Contact the Positive Ageing Program Officer, email sarah.mathers@yarracity.vic.gov.au or phone 0456 360 047.

Register your interest:

 

Please provide some basic details via this online form to register.

Other volunteer vacancies (not with us)

There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in your local community.

Go to the 'Volunteer Opportunities' option on the Yarra Jobs Portal.

 

Our Mission

To encourage a vibrant, livable and sustainable inner city that the community can be proud of.
 
We are a proud member of Volunteering Victoria.