Become A Volunteer
Windermere is a not-for-profit organisation that relies heavily on our generous volunteers, who:
- Bring valued passion and commitment that supplements our existing team and limited resources
- Provide vital support that helps us achieve our goals
- Become part of the Windermere “family tree” and do a variety of tasks such as mentoring, fundraising and assisting with our various events throughout the year
- Are a vital part of our teamwork approach to supporting and assisting people in need in our community.
Volunteers help our staff and clients with practical tasks that provide opportunities to make use of your current skills, develop new skills, become involved in your community, and make new friends. Being a volunteer is rewarding and fun!
Windermere’s challenge each year is to engage new volunteers as others, who have served and given so much, are no longer able to give us their ‘time, treasures or talents’ due to competing commitments.
If you feel that you can spare some time to help Windermere and would like to read more about volunteering, please click on any of the links below, or simply scroll down…
- Who becomes a volunteer?
- What will I be doing as a volunteer at Windermere?
- What qualities do I need to be a volunteer?
- What do I need to do to become a volunteer?
- What are my rights as a volunteer at Windermere?
- How do I find out more?
Who becomes a volunteer?
Volunteers come from all walks of life, ranging from teenage to old age! They are men and women who are employed, unemployed, students and retirees. Some bring specific skills, and others bring extensive life skills. Volunteers are people of good will, who come from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
Despite this diversity, they all have one thing in common… the desire to give something of themselves to the community.
What will I be doing as a volunteer at Windermere?
You may choose the area of volunteer activity that best suits your needs, availability and interests, including:
- Mentoring a child
- Tutoring a child (homework assistance)
- Transporting clients to appointments and groups
- Supporting people with disabilities to access the community
- Undertaking administrative work
- Fundraising
- Fleet Car Detailing and Maintenance
- Resource Management
- Support Staff in running groups
- Christmas Appeal
What qualities do I need to be a volunteer?
To start with, you need a desire to assist, a willingness to participate in the recruitment process and a commitment to give it a go! Windermere volunteers are required to be:
- Screened
- Trained
- Reliable
- Respectful of confidentiality
- Committed to Windermere’s philosophy
- Accountable
- Responsible and ethical.
What do I need to do to become a volunteer?
Becoming a volunteer simply requires some commitment of time from you to undergo a screening process, and attend training, including:
- General volunteer training program
- Any additional training as required for the work you undertake (some training may be on-the-job, some may be formal training)
- All volunteers must undergo a police check and attain a working with children check.
What are my rights as a volunteer at Windermere?
You have the right to:
- Information about Windermere
- Initial and ongoing training
- A clearly written job description
- Be recognised as a valued team member
- Be supported and supervised in your role
- Know who you are accountable to
- Be covered by insurance
- Be informed and consulted on matters which directly affect you and your work
- Be advised of our travel-reimbursement policy
- Be advised of our grievance procedures.
How do I find out more?
For more information, please contact Windermere on (03) 9705 3200.