Volunteering has a positive impact on the lives of volunteers and those around them. Some of the benefits of volunteering are:

• Learning new skills and building confidence;
• Having fun whilst giving back to the community;
• Following an interest or passion;
• Feeling valued and part of a team;
• Improving employment prospects;
• Supporting a cause you are passionate about;
• Meeting new people and making a difference in your community.

Opportunities exist in a wide range of organisations and roles, whether you have a few spare hours a week or want to assist with one-off events.

• Assisting with local community events;
• Fundraising/grant writing, marketing, administration or governance (committees);
• Programs for seniors, young people or people with a disability;
• Positions in the arts, culture, leisure or sport and recreation areas;
• Environmental groups, gardening or working with animals;
• Teaching, libraries, counselling or child minding;
• Information technology, strategic planning, mentoring, advocacy;
• Play a role in community safety through volunteer bush fire brigades.

Go to Volunteering WA to search for current vacancies.

Volunteering programs directly managed by the Shire of Mundaring include:

• Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades;
• Bushcare Volunteers;
• Community representatives on Shire of Mundaring committees and working groups;
• Shire Public Library Volunteers;
• Spontaneous Volunteers engaged for special events and in times of emergency;
• Youth Projects; and
• Visitor Centre Volunteers.

What to expect

To acknowledge and thank volunteers for their service to our community, the Shire provides the following:

• A Volunteer Program Supervisor.
• An induction and orientation program.
• Opportunities for skill development.
• Protective clothing if required.
• Invitation to annual recognition and thank you events.
• Light refreshments including tea, coffee and meals where appropriate.
• Reimbursement for approved out-of-pocket expenses.

Volunteer opportunities are advertised in ways that are accessible to all sections of the community.

The Shire’s website provides a search tool linking potential volunteers to the latest local and State-wide volunteering vacancies listed by Volunteering WA.

Volunteers are selected in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, taking into account a volunteer’s ability and suitability in relation to the role, as well as any site or program specific requirement.

Unsuccessful volunteer applicants are notified and where appropriate advised of any other suitable volunteering opportunities.

Before commencement, volunteers are required to have a meeting with the Volunteer Program Supervisor to discuss the position and assess whether the role is suitable for the applicant.

Shire of Mundaring acknowledges the efforts of volunteers as an integral part of our community wellbeing.

The support offered by Shire of Mundaring to volunteers and volunteer groups includes:

• Assistance and referral to find a volunteer role;
• Free or subsidised volunteer training and information sessions;
• Assistance to promote volunteer vacancies;
• Volunteer information bulletin;
• Grants and funding;
• Annual Celebrating Community event, recognising significant contributions to the community.

The Shire offers a range of free and subsidised skill development workshops throughout the year. For more information visit the Shire's website.

The Shire of Mundaring has a number of grants available to not-for-profit community groups and organisations located in the Shire, through its Community Grants Program.  Grants for community events, equipment, promotional material and training are available to groups twice annually. 

The Shire also offers grants specifically to volunteer involving organisations with the purpose of assisting groups to recognise and celebrate the contribution of volunteers:

Volunteer Recognition Event Grant

Open on an ongoing basis, this $300 grant assists groups to hold an event to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of their volunteers. There is no acquittal required.

Milestone Event Grant

Open once annually, this $2500 grant assists groups to celebrate a signficiant milestone achievement.  

Yes, the Shire can assist your group to source volunteers in the following ways:

• promote in our quarterly Volunteer Bulletin;
• link to online and other resources where volunteer roles can be posted;
• refer to Swan Volunteer Resource Centre;
• invite to Step into Volunteering session to promote your roles to prospective volunteers.

As a volunteer you have the right:

• to work in a healthy and safe environment (refer various Occupational Health and Safety Act[s]);
• to be interviewed and engaged in accordance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation;
• to be adequately covered by insurance;
• to be given accurate and truthful information about the organisation for which you are working;
• to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses;
• to be given a copy of the organisations volunteer policy and any other policy that affects your work;
• not to fill a position previoulsy held by a paid worker;
• not to do the work of paid staff during industrial disputes;
• to have a job description and agreed working hours;
• to have access to a grievance procedure;
• to be provided with orientation to the organisation;
• to have your confidential and personal information dealt with in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act 1988; and
• to be provided with sufficient training to do your job.

Check that:

• The organisation is a not-for-profit
• The purpose of the organisation matches your own values and beliefs
• The organisation carries volunteer insurance
• Your role is clear and specific
• The organisation can provide you with written information about its purpose and activities
• You are satisfied that the funds of the organisation are expended in accordance with its mission.

2003 Volunteering Australia

As a volunteer you have the right to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. It should not cost you personally to be a volunteer.