GENERAL INFORMATION

What type of volunteering opportunities are available?

Community First Development first and foremost, is a community development organisation. Our opportunities differ from traditional volunteering - we utilise skilled volunteers according to the needs of our community partners.  All our projects are 100% community driven. Volunteers are matched to projects according to the skills communities request and communities have the final say on volunteer selection. In most cases you will be volunteering your skills on an individual basis.  You can learn more about some of the community projects our volunteers have supported and their impact here.

Are there corporate/group volunteering opportunities?

Our volunteer team receives many requests regarding workplace group volunteering days, and we understand that many workplaces offer 2 days volunteering leave per year.  Due to both the community-led and skills-based nature of our work, we are unable to accommodate such requests.  However, we do strongly encourage workplaces, especially those with employees with specialist skills, to consider other meaningful ways their employees can utilise volunteer leave.  Our volunteer team are available to discuss these options further.

How are volunteers chosen for a project?

Once volunteers complete the induction process, they are registered on our Community First Development volunteer database.  There are two main ways to be notified of a potential project.  The first is through a skill search of our database.  If your skills are identified as a match for a current project, our Community Development Officers will then contact you to see if you are interested and available for a project. If you are, we will discuss your application - and possibly others - with the community to support them in their decision. Our Community Development Officers stay in touch with our volunteers throughout the entire process.

The second way to express interest in a project is by responding to one of our Volunteer Opportunity emails.  These emails are sent to the whole volunteer database, and as such may not always match your skillset. They are a great way of engaging with volunteers who may have gained new skills, and of informing the wider volunteer community about the types of projects happening.  If you are interested and have the right skills for the project, you will be put in contact with the Community Development Officer, who will discuss your application with the community and support them in their decision.

How long will it take to be assigned a project?

Community First Development projects are determined and led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that we work with. We work at their invitation and at their pace and the final selection of the volunteer rests with the community. It is difficult to be certain of timings, but we will keep you informed the best we can. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of a placement with a community.

How long are projects?

The length of our projects is determined by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities we work with. They can range from a few days to many months; however, this does not necessarily mean travelling for long lengths of time.  Since COVID, we have taken a hybrid approach with many of our projects. Volunteers may spend a few days working face to face with community, then will work with them in an online capacity.  It depends on the needs of the community and the capacity of the volunteer, but there are many flexible opportunities.

Are all volunteer opportunities in remote communities?

No, Community First Development works with communities across Australia in remote, regional and urban areas. We work with both geographic communities and communities of interest – this can include corporations/associations, businesses, organisations and individuals. 

Do all projects require travel, and who covers the cost?

Not all projects require travel. Many volunteers choose to volunteer in an online capacity, or in their own region.  If travel is needed, Community First Development will organise and pay for travel to and from the project. A small per diem is also available to cover incidental expenses if requested.  Volunteers need to be aware that for longer term projects, this may have tax implications. 

Who provides accommodation while I am volunteering?

Accommodation for our volunteers, when needed, is the responsibility of the community. Accommodation varies from place to place. Community First Development checks with communities regarding the suitability of the accommodation and in most cases will have inspected the accommodation prior to placing a volunteer.

 VOLUNTEER SCREENING

What is the Volunteer Induction Program (VIP)?

The Volunteer Induction Program (VIP) is made up of two parts – an online course and a face-to-face workshop. As volunteers you represent our organisation, so it is critical you understand and demonstrate Community First Development’s values when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The program is also an important way for us to explain what you can expect from Community First Development and to discuss your responsibilities.

Part 1: This interactive and engaging online course aims to inform volunteers about the Community First Development model, our values, community development framework and monitoring and evaluation approach.  The course features community and volunteer stories and is a central place for all volunteer policy information. It is a comprehensive resource that will keep growing over time, and you can refer to it as needed. All volunteers on our database can request a log-in to access the course by emailing volunteer@communityfirstdevelopment.org.au.

Part 2: The face-to-face cultural workshop is conducted in different regions. It provides the cultural, historical and social context of our work, and will guide you in working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is an opportunity to learn from First Nations staff members and to engage in an open, respectful and healing conversation.  This workshop is a starting point to learn about First Nations peoples, histories and experiences.

What does the screening process involve?

Our screening process is designed to ensure that you are prepared and ready to undertake a Community First Development project and that you understand Community First Development’s values and approach. The process is important to ensure the safety of our communities, staff and volunteers.

The screening process is like applying for a job - it can include a phone interview, referee check, police, medical and working with children checks (where needed), completion of our online induction course, and participation in our face-to-face cultural induction.  The whole process can sometimes take some time, but we aim to complete the process within a matter of months.

Do I have to get a new police check if I had one done recently?

Yes, Community First Development conducts police checks on all our volunteers every two years. Some people may already have police checks for other positions, but Community First Development do separate checks for every volunteer to make sure we are doing the best by the communities we work with.

The results of the police checks are, of course, confidential.

I am self-employed, who do I list as a professional referee?

If you own your own business, you can list clients or other professionals with whom you have dealings.

VOLUNTEER HEALTH AND SAFETY

Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to volunteer?

All volunteers who wish to work face-to-face with our community partners must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. If you are unable or choose not to be vaccinated, you can still volunteer in a remote/online capacity. To request more information about our COVID-19 policies, please email volunteer@communityfirstdevelopment.org.au .

Am I too young, too old to be a volunteer?

We encourage anyone from 18 years of age to 80 with suitable skills to apply to be a Community First Development volunteer. Please note that there are currently restrictions in place for volunteers 70+ when it comes to face-to-face opportunities, however you are still able to volunteer online/remotely.

I have a medical condition, can I volunteer?

Yes, if it is safe for you to do so. As part of the application process, you are required to complete a medical check. On this form, your doctor verifies that your health status is suitable for you to volunteer with Community First Development.

We do not discriminate against people with medical conditions or people with disabilities. If you do have a medical condition, you may be considered for an urban project where medical and health services are available, or volunteering in an online capacity. All volunteers are required to have a new medical check every two years.

Am I covered by insurance if something happens whilst participating in a project?

Yes. All volunteers are covered under our insurance, and all community partners must have public liability insurance.  It is also recommended that volunteers carry their own personal medical insurance.