Want to volunteer with us?
All currently open positions are advertised via the button below.
Become a Volunteer
Join a movement of supporters and advocates who strengthen the ASRC, while creating positive change for people seeking asylum.
Why volunteer with the ASRC?
Volunteers are the very lifeblood of the ASRC. In becoming a volunteer, you are joining a movement of supporters and advocates who strengthen the organisation while creating positive change for people seeking asylum.
Volunteering your time, skills, and resources is one of the most powerful ways to make a real difference. You’ll make new friends, gain career and life experience and see the impact of your work on a daily basis.
We offer a diverse range of volunteer opportunities across all our programs, from working in our Foodbank or Education Program, to utilising your skills as a qualified legal or health professional. Each role requires a different set of skills, experience and availability. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect role for you.
Application Process
1. Find a Role
We have multiple roles available to volunteer across the ASRC.
2. Send Application
Provide a CV and a cover letter telling us a bit about yourself.
3. Attend Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and have references checked.
4. Complete Checks
Get a Police Check, Working with Children Check and complete online training.
5. Welcome Aboard!
We look forward to welcoming you on your first day.
Student Placements at the ASRC
We offer a limited number of student placement opportunities at the ASRC, depending on individual program needs and capacity. We recommend keeping an eye on the volunteer positions currently advertised on our website. This provides the clearest picture of the opportunities currently available across the organisation.
If you see a role that aligns with your interests or course requirements, we encourage you to apply. Please note in your cover letter that you are interested in pursuing it as a Student Placement. The Program Manager will discuss whether this is suitable during the recruitment process.
If you have further questions or are a placement coordinator seeking to place student/s with the ASRC please email volunteer@asrc.org.au Please note: we only accept applications from students over 18 years of age.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Submit an application for a role that suits your skills, experience and availability
2. If shortlisted, you’ll proceed to an interview
3. If successful, you’ll need to complete the online ASRC Volunteer Induction, sign the Volunteer Agreement and undergo both a Police Check and Working with Children check
4. Start volunteering!
The ASRC offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities across all of our programs. Whether you are a practicing lawyer or a registered nurse looking to share your specialist skills or someone who is looking to provide more generalised help with our administrative work or help out in our Foodbank – the opportunities to volunteer with the ASRC are diverse and always changing. Available roles are advertised on an ongoing basis so please keep checking back if something doesn’t suit now.
The History of Volunteering at the ASRC
An organisation built by volunteers
The strength and power of the ASRC is found in our people and volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation, without whom the ASRC would cease to exist.
In fact, the ASRC first began as a small food bank in 2001, run mostly by volunteers. As the needs of the people we support grew, so did the ASRC services and often it was volunteers who mobilised to meet the new demand. As Kon Karapanagiotidis explains, “… when someone would turn up without Medicare… we just needed to respond. I remember taking a student on placement and saying to them “You’re starting the first health service for people seeking asylum in Victoria, that’s your social work placement”. Two weeks later, it was up and running.
Each and every program at the ASRC relies on the skills and passion of a committed volunteer workforce. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds adding richness of knowledge and providing experience that has expanded our services over the years. What has been so exceptional about our community is that people feel like they are being trusted to do good and what has stood out about our volunteers from day one is how hungry people are to help and make a difference.
Stories from our volunteers
Nicolette's Story
Nicolette
”I thought to myself, ‘put your money where your mouth is’, or in this case, your time.”
Joan's Story
Joan
“One person would turn up out of the blue and say ‘I can teach English’ and so that’s how English classes came about. Then another volunteer came onboard who could cook, so then we had the community foods program. The local community just showed up and provided.”
Aheda's Story
Aheda
“When you volunteer, it’s obviously not for money. We do it for the feeling that it leaves in your heart. I feel good about myself too when I can help others.”
Ready to join the team?
All currently open positions are advertised via the button below.
If you have any questions please send us an email at volunteer@asrc.org.au and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Connect with us
Need help from the ASRC? Call 03 9326 6066 or visit us: Mon-Tue-Thur-Fri 10am -4pm. Closed on Wednesdays.