Volunteer with us

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Volunteers play a key role in making the Clarence Valley a great place to live, work and socialise. We value our community members who kindly donate their time and expertise. We encourage volunteers from all walks of life and with varying skills, to join our volunteer community.

Council offers long term, short term and once-off volunteer opportunities. We have a variety of opportunities that will suit your lifestyle, from supporting your local library, providing administration support and from time to time, participating in the success of Council run events.

Benefits to volunteering include becoming more involved in your community, learning new skills and meeting new people. We see the benefits volunteering has for our community and we appreciate, recognise and celebrate the generous contribution of all our volunteers.

We have a Volunteer Handbook(PDF, 7MB) which covers all features of volunteering with Council.

Our vision, mission and values

Our Vision
To make the Clarence Valley a community full of opportunity

Our Mission
To plan and deliver services valued by the community

Our Values
The acronym ‘STRIVE’ describes the values and behaviours which are considered to be core requirements when we deal with each other and our community

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What to expect

Express your Interest

Apply for one of Council’s volunteer opportunities on this page under the Volunteer Opportunities tab. Council libraries have computers, internet and customer support services if you require assistance completing this application. 

Interview

A Council officer will be in touch to invite you to a casual interview where you will be asked questions relevant to the volunteer opportunity, this is a good chance for you to ask questions too.

Background checks

If all parties are happy to proceed after the interview, you will complete the required background checks relevant to the volunteer opportunity.

Induction and training

On your first day of volunteering you will participate in Council’s induction and training processes to ensure you can perform your role safely, efficiently and effectively. 

Ongoing support

Your people manager will check in with you regularly, providing support and direction during your time as a volunteer. Your people manager will offer you feedback on performance for continuous improvement.

Flexibility

Our volunteering opportunities offer flexible hours and rosters and wherever reasonably possible Council will work around your commitments to ensure you are happy in your position.

What you need to provide

Background checks are applied to some volunteer roles to help maintain the safety and security of service users, volunteers, employees, and the organisation.
All volunteers must provide a copy of their drivers licence or another form of photo ID.
Background checks might include:
• Working With Children Check (WWCC) - Issued by NSW Government's Office of the Children's Guardian (OCG) should be submitted with your application. The check is free for volunteers and can be undertaken via the OCG website
• National Criminal History Check (NCHC) - Council will initiate this process via our preferred service provider.
• WHS Construction induction training certificate (white card) – floodgate operators
• Two references.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Council a verified organisation with Centrelink?
Yes we are. You will need to provide a Council Officer with Centrelink’s Voluntary Work form which can be obtained from Centrelink.

Q. Is there an age limit
Yes. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 90 years are eligible to volunteer.

Q. Am I covered by insurance?
Yes. You are covered by Council’s Public Liability, Personal Accident and Travel Insurances.

Q. Can I get a reference for my volunteer work?
Yes. Volunteer supervisors can provide a verbal reference to prospective employers. It is not Council's policy to provide written volunteer references. 

Combat agencies/response to emergency

Council’s volunteer program does not provide for volunteering in response to emergencies or with emergency response organisations. Should you be interested in volunteering in these circumstances or with these organisations, please refer to the combat agencies listing below and liaise with them directly.

 

Current opportunities

Volunteer opportunity - Grafton Regional Gallery

Grafton Regional Gallery volunteers

Grafton Regional Gallery is a dynamic and contemporary visual art space located on Fitzroy Street, within walking distance of the shopping precinct. The Gallery opens from 10:00am to 4:00pm each Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on public holidays.

As one of the Gallery’s valued volunteers you will engage in activities to support the Gallery and its visitors. Volunteers assist with major touring exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize, performing tasks such as:

  • Greeting visitors
  • Monitoring exhibition spaces
  • Assisting with enquiries

The Gallery is supported by the Friends of the Grafton Gallery (FoGG), a volunteer group who fundraise for gallery acquisitions through activities such as openings, Soup Day, and special events. If you would like to get involved, meet new people, and support the cultural life of the Clarence Valley, contact the Gallery for more information.

Visit our website, Facebook or Instagram pages to view our exhibitions, programs and events.

For more information about volunteering at the Grafton Regional Gallery contact gallery@clarence.nsw.gov.au

Volunteer opportunity - Clarence Libraries

Library support volunteer

The Clarence Valley has four libraries throughout the region, i.e., Grafton, Iluka, Maclean and Yamba.

The opening hours of each library vary. Checkout our website to view the hours of each Library.

Each Library offers services to the community including internet access, legal tool kit, photocopying and access to current Council business papers. They also offer social groups including knitting, book club, children's storytime and local studies.

As one of Council's valued Library volunteers you will engage in various tasks to support the processes of our Library and the community members who use their services.

Tasks may include:

  • Customer service
  • Shelving books and other library materials
  • Selection of materials for the Home Library Service 
  • Repair library materials
  • Assist children's group activities; storytime and craft group
  • Group support; set up, pack up and general support
  • Digital device support (for with this knowledge)
  • Administration support (for volunteers with this knowledge)

For more information about volunteering at a Council library, contact graftonlib@crl.nsw.gov.au

 

More information

The Centre for Volunteering the NSW is peak body for volunteering, promoting and supporting volunteering and community participation. Find out more by visiting The Centre for Volunteering.

 

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, it helps promote the work of volunteers, works to advance volunteering in the community and its website offers a range of volunteering statistics, research and publications. Find out more by visiting Volunteering Australia.

 

Northern Rivers Community Gateway connects volunteers to opportunities throughout Northern NSW. Their services extend from Lismore to the New South Wales Far North Coast, to the New England and Mid North Coast regions of NSW, and more broadly across the state.

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