Am I covered by insurance?
Yes, The City of Newcastle volunteers are covered by Council's Personal Accident Insurance whilst undertaking volunteer duties.
What are the age limits for volunteering?
Generally, council volunteers must be aged 16 or over, but younger volunteers can be accepted for some events and committees. Volunteers aged under 18 require signed permission from a parent or guardian before starting their volunteer position. There is no strict upper age limit - it will depend on an individual's health and physical capabilities.
How often do I have to work?
We try to remain flexible to accommodate your needs outside your voluntary role. However, volunteers will usually need to commit to a regular roster. Generally speaking, this will mean working on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.
Do you pay out of pocket expenses?
Yes, Council pays selected out of pocket expenses incurred performing volunteer duties. Volunteers should get approval prior to the expense being incurred to be assured of reimbursement, and receipts and/or invoices should be kept as proof of purchase. Travel to and from your place of voluntary work is not covered.
Can I get paid work in the organisation if I volunteer first?
Some of our volunteers are accepted into paid positions within Council, but there is no guarantee volunteering will result in paid employment. Volunteers must go through the same application process as anyone else interested in a paid position with Council and will be assessed on their merits.
Can I get a reference for my volunteer work?
Volunteer coordinators can provide verbal references over the phone to prospective employers. They can also provide a written statement of service which details your roles, responsibilities and hours as a volunteer. It is not Council's policy to provide written volunteer references.
What direct support will I have?
All Council volunteers are allocated a volunteer coordinator in the area where they are undertaking work. They'll provide training and guidance, with an aim to make it easy and enjoyable for you to carry out your volunteer role.