Volunteer with us to improve access and inclusion
When you volunteer with Travellers Aid you help people with a disability or older travellers get where they need to go.
If you value access and inclusion for all, you’ll love being part of our volunteer workforce.
Help improve access and inclusion in your community
Volunteers, just like you, make Travellers Aid’s free and low-cost support services possible.
Our service hubs in Melbourne, Seymour, Geelong and Ballarat help people connect with public transport, navigate transport disruptions, get to their appointments and outings and enjoy Melbourne’s special events.
Our dedicated volunteers assist people with a physical disability, older travellers, people with ill-health or injury and those with less visible disabilities such as sensory processing differences, autism and anxiety more than 225,000 times every year.
Choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities
From transporting people between station platforms, accompanying them to appointments or helping them get into and around Melbourne’s big events, you’re sure to find a volunteer role for you.
As well as our variety of volunteering opportunities, we also provide excellent on-the-job training and support in a close-knit, busy and friendly environment.
Who can volunteer?
If you are friendly, respectful, patient and enjoy interacting with people from all walks of life then volunteering with Travellers Aid could be the role for you. You’ll be assisting seniors, regional Victorians and people living with disabilities as well as the general travelling public.
To volunteer you must be over 18 years of age. All volunteers must undergo a Victoria Police Check and a Working with Children Check. Training, uniform and assistance with myki fares is provided.
Opportunities exist in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Seymour. If you would like to find out more about our upcoming volunteer opportunities, please email us at volunteers@travellersaid.org.au
See our volunteer opportunities here
Volunteers – Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo locations
We’re currently seeking passionate volunteers to join our team in Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it is offering a friendly face, providing travel assistance, or helping someone reach their destination safely, your contribution will help create a more inclusive and connected Victoria.
Who We’re Looking For You don’t need prior experience—just a big heart and a willingness to help! The ideal volunteer is:
- Friendly, observant, and reliable.
- Comfortable working independently
- Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing situations
- A great communicator with a “can-do” attitude
- Available for shifts Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm – shift times can be flexible
- Willing to get your steps in
What You’ll Be Doing
- Providing mobility support using power-assist wheelchairs
- Providing personal guidance for people with vision-impairment and people who are unfamiliar with the environment
- Offering friendly support and directions
- Providing a calm presence for those needing a break or information
Travellers Aid is an equal opportunity organisation. We strongly encourage applications from people with disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Interested? Have questions? Call (03) 9654 2600 or email us to find out how you can start making a difference as a Travellers Aid volunteer.
Ready to apply?
To volunteer in Geelong, Click here.
To volunteer in Ballarat, click here.
To volunteer in Bendigo, click here.
Companion Service (CS) Volunteer
- Volunteers accompany clients to and from appointments, events, accommodations and other as requested using public transport.
- Time required can be as little as 30 minutes or up to four hours.
- Majority of assistance is required Monday to Friday during the day, but we do receive requests for evenings and weekends.
- No set rostered hours – the client’s requests are posted on the Deputy Software and through email and if a volunteer is available to undertake the service, they claim the shift.
- Starting point is usually Flinders Street or Southern Cross station but can also be another public transport stop.
Southern Cross Station
Regular commitment is required, preferably once a week. The Southern Cross service hub is open 7 days a week and shifts are from 9:30am – 2:30pm or 2:30pm – 7pm
Call (03) 9654 2600 or email us to find out how you can start making a difference as a Travellers Aid volunteer.
Admin Volunteer
Our Admin Volunteers at Southern Cross Station assist within the site and are integral in the smooth running of operations and services that we provide.
Requirements:
- Be able to answer the phone
- Be comfortable on a computer using CRM software (Salesforce)
- Be willing to clean and sanitise showers
- Provide tourist/travel information
Call (03) 9654 2600 or email us to find out how you can start making a difference as a Travellers Aid volunteer.
Buggy Drivers
Buggy Drivers at Southern Cross Station help transport passengers awaiting their next transportation from either the lounge area at Southern Cross Station or from the platform via the use of the buggy. A Buggy Driver is also required to perform the duties of the above Admin Volunteer.
Requirements:
- Must have a valid full Victorian Driver’s License
- Be willing to undertake a medical that includes an instant drug and alcohol testing
Call (03) 9654 2600 or email us to find out how you can start making a difference as a Travellers Aid volunteer.
Community Education
Volunteers provide information about the services offered by Travellers Aid to the community. The groups you present to can be small or large. Presentations can be a face-to face chat with a small group, a more formal PowerPoint presentation or an online session.
Requirements:
- Be comfortable presenting in front of a group of people
- Willing to learn about the services Travellers Aid provides
- Are technologically savvy
Information sessions are mainly scheduled between Monday to Friday. Face-to-face presentation will require travelling to the suburbs. Your travel will be covered by Travellers Aid. A power point presentation and brochures are available to assist you and training is provided in presentation skills. This volunteer role would be suitable for volunteers who have time during the week and those comfortable with public speaking and presenting.
Call (03) 9654 2600 or email us to find out how you can start making a difference as a Travellers Aid volunteer.
Events
Want to volunteer at Melbourne’s major events? We provide support at a range of events like the Australian Open, Moomba, Grand prix, International Flower and Garden Show and more.
Requirements:
- Comfortable being exposed to all elements of weather as events often take place outdoors
- Able to push a manual wheelchair
- Able to stand for an extended amount of time
Call (03) 9654 2600 or email us to find out how you can start making a difference as a Travellers Aid volunteer.
“Volunteering with Travellers Aid gives me a great sense of purpose and pride as I get to do my bit to uplift others, or simply to make someone’s day. It reminds me that there is more to life than just work and play, and that we can all play a part in supporting one another.”
Gary Lee OAM, Australia Day Council ‘New Australian of the Year’ 2016