Volunteer

Bushcare volunteers and staff Parsley Bay 2019 James Horan

Volunteering opportunities

Woollahra Council is lucky to have more than 160 volunteers who help our community in various ways such as in our libraries, at our Bushcare regeneration sites and through our HarbourCare program.

Now, more than ever, is a good time to consider volunteering with a local group or organisation. It can be a great way to connect with our community and make a real difference.

There are a number of local volunteering opportunities outside of Council where you can help support others during this time.

Council is still receiving applications for new volunteers for future activities. Complete the Volunteer Application Form(PDF, 238KB) to register your interest. Once we receive your form, we will contact you.

For further information on volunteering, please read our Volunteer Policy(PDF, 473KB) or email jobs@woollahra.nsw.gov.au

If your organisation serves the Woollahra community and is looking for volunteers, please email information to community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au


Volunteering with Woollahra Council


Local volunteering opportunities

You may need to obtain a NSW Police criminal history check or working with children check for some volunteering roles.

  • Holdsworth - in Woollahra is keeping a list of volunteers to call on. You will need a police check.
  • Our Big Kitchen - assist in preparing or distributing meals for people in need across Sydney. Apply online.
  • COA Sydney - assist with delivering kosher Meals on Wheels or fruit and vegetables to vulnerable or isolated people. Volunteers need to be 65 years or below. Apply online.
  • Catholic Healthcare - assist with making telephone calls to the elderly. More information.

Other volunteering opportunities


Volunteer stories

Bushcare volunteer, Rob Hitchen

Rob Hitchen, from Vaucluse, has been a Bushcare volunteer for six years.

“When I was working full time I was too busy to do much volunteering, but after I retired in 2012, I had the time to try and make a small, but hopefully positive, contribution,” Rob said.

“A neighbour saw me weeding the nature strip and suggested I come along to a Bushcare group at Gap Park,” he said.

Rob now volunteers with Council’s Bushcare program at Gap Park and Parsley Bay each week. He says he enjoys the physical activity and spending time in the bush with other volunteers.

“It's been a great thrill to see rarely sighted native wildlife like the Powerful Owl and Brush Turkey, not to mention old Parsley Bay favourites like the Water Dragons and Freshwater Eels.

“If I had to choose one highlight, I would say it's having a swim and snorkel with fellow volunteers at Parsley Bay after Bushcare,” he said.

Rob also dedicates his time to our HarbourCare program, where he collects rubbish at local beaches and reports back to Council on what he finds.

“I go for a snorkel most afternoons and weekends, so it’s as easy as doing a quick scan for rubbish on the beach and in the water while I’m there,”.

On top of his environmental work, Rob also gives back to the local community by volunteering at the St Canice's soup kitchen, the Matthew Talbot Hostel, and Meals on Wheels at Holdsworth.

What is Rob’s advice to others thinking about becoming a volunteer?

“Try it. I'm pretty sure you'll find it very relaxing and interesting, you'll learn a lot from people. It's satisfying knowing that in a small way you are helping improve the local natural environment and the lives of others”.


Trish Honeyfield

Trish Honeyfield has been a volunteer at our library, helping with children’s programs, for 11 years.

Trish says she decided to volunteer after she finished working in the city and discovered there was a whole community around her that she never knew existed.

“I looked at how I could give back to the community and engage with other people. Volunteering at the library was a no brainer. Kids, books, the library. It was a winner.”

Trish says she has particularly fond memories of her days volunteering at the old Double Bay Library at St Brigid’s and holding Story Times outside in Blackburn Gardens.

“I remember one day the Council groundskeeper came and showed the children the leaf blower and they absolutely loved it!”

Trish says volunteering has helped her become part of the broader local community.

“Sometimes when I’m shopping at Westfield, I’ll hear a little voice say: ‘Mummy, that’s Trish from the library!” Trish said.