Volunteering
About
Looking for a way to give back and connect with the community? One of the many volunteering groups in Cardinia Shire may be for you!
Whether you’re interested in gardening and the environment, sports and recreation, or just want to give back to the community, there is a volunteering opportunity for everyone.
If you are looking to volunteer for a local not-for-profit or community group, you can search our volunteers directory.
Hear from some of the volunteers at Emerald Museum about some of the benefits of volunteering in your community.
Council supports its many volunteers in many ways including:
- workshops and information sessions
- subsidised training
- volunteering job opportunities.
Training calendar for volunteers and community organisations
Council offers a range of free or subsidised training for volunteers to support our volunteer community organisations such as sporting clubs, neighbourhood houses, community asset committees and many more.
Register now to attend an upcoming session:
Grant Writing
When: Wednesday 18th February
Time: 6:30- 8:30pm
Location: Council Chambers, Cardinia Shire Council Civic Centre, 20 Siding Ave, Officer
Join us for a FREE grant writing workshop for local organisations and community groups whose work directly benefits those in Cardinia Shire. This workshop will provide the tools, strategies and confidence necessary for writing successful grant applications.
The workshop will also provide an opportunity to connect with other grant writers to discuss common challenges and share helpful strategies for success.
Book your place by clicking on this link: Volunteer Training Workshop: Grant Writing Workshop – Fill out form
Governance Training for Community Groups
When: Wednesday 25th March
Time: 6.30- 9.00pm
Location: Council Chambers, Cardinia Shire Council Civic Centre, 20 Siding Ave, Officer.
Online option available, but in-person attendance strongly recommended.
Good governance is the foundation of a strong not-for-profit organisation, providing the checks and balances needed to guide leadership and support long-term sustainability. For community groups run by volunteers, understanding this can be challenging within a complex legal and regulatory environment.
Book your place by clicking on this link: Volunteer Training Workshop: Governance for Community Groups – Fill out form
Recruitment and Management of Volunteers
When: Wednesday 15th April
Time: 6.30-9pm
Location: Council Chambers, Cardinia Shire Council Civic Centre, 20 Siding Ave, Officer
Online option available, but in-person attendance strongly recommended.
Volunteers are often the heart of a community group, but keeping them motivated, supported, and aligned with the organisation’s purpose takes thoughtful planning and good communication. This session gives participants the tools to manage volunteers effectively and build a strong, engaged team.
Book your place by clicking on this link: Volunteer Training Workshop: Recruitment and Management of Volunteers – Fill out form
Free training videos for volunteers
Non Profit Training produced a series of free educational volunteer training videos designed to educate and empower nonprofit organisations.
These engaging resources provide essential skills and knowledge, helping volunteers maximise their impact and enhance their contributions to the community.
Subsidised training for volunteers
We offer a volunteer training program each term, which is offered by local neighbourhood houses, community centres and Universities of the Third Age (U3A) at a subsidised rate (conditions apply).
The following courses will be available throughout the year:
- food handling
- basic bookkeeping
- first aid and CPR
- various computer courses.
For details of available programs and fees and to apply for a subsidised place, please contact the relevant training provider directly.
- Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre
- Moy-Yan Neighbourhood House (formally Bunyip & Ditsrict Community House)
- Cockatoo Neighbourhood House
- Lang Lang Community Centre
- Living and Learning Pakenham
- Outlook Community Centre
- Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre
Recruit volunteers for your organisation
- If your not-for-profit organisation is looking for support from volunteers, please submit the role and we will post it in our volunteering opportunities directory.
- The directory is a free service to not-for-profit organisations based in Cardinia Shire, or that service Cardinia Shire residents.
Annual event for volunteer organisations
- More than 500 volunteer organisations work to make Cardinia Shire a great place to live, so in May every year we celebrate our volunteers through a volunteer reception at Cardinia Cultural Centre.
- Each year, invitations to attend the volunteer reception are sent to 2 representatives from not-for-profit groups. To ensure representatives from your organisation are invited, please confirm your organisation's contact details are correct in our community directory.
- We hold the volunteer reception in May, to coincide with National Volunteer Week
