The heart of Family Life has always been our volunteers. Since 1970, compassionate people like you have helped us create positive change in our community. Today, we invite you to join this legacy of care and connection.
Every hour you spend with Family Life creates ripples of positive change throughout our community. You’ll work alongside dedicated people who share your commitment to helping others, while building new skills and meaningful relationships.
Whether you’re looking to give back to your community, develop new skills, or simply meet wonderful people who care about making a difference, you’ll find your place with us.
Ways to Make a Difference
Our volunteers support our community in several meaningful ways:
In our Op Shops, retail assistants create welcoming spaces where everyone can find what they need. You’ll help customers find treasures, create engaging displays, and work with a team that feels more like family. Your warm smile and helping hand make our shops more than just stores – they’re community hubs where everyone feels welcome.
At our Distribution Centre, you’ll be at the heart of our operations. Working with our logistics team, you’ll help sort donations and ensure they reach the people who need them most. It’s satisfying work that makes a real difference, and you’ll be part of a supportive team that takes pride in helping our community.
For those who prefer to be on the move, our delivery drivers are essential connectors in our community. You’ll collect donations and deliver items to those in need, building relationships and spreading goodwill throughout our network of supporters and recipients.
Family Life has multiple Community Opportunity Shops located across the Bayside region of Melbourne. These community-hubs are vibrant spaces, each shop playing an important role in the lives of the community of which they are a part.
Volunteer Retail Assistants help with the day-to-day operations of stores.
Distribution Centre volunteers support the operations of the Community Opportunity Shops by working at our warehouse. Tasks include storing goods, moving and rearranging stock in the opportunity shops, organising donation collections and delivery of goods.
The Delivery Driver and Jockeys assist the Community Opportunity Shop operations by driving the Family Life vehicles to deliver stock to Opportunity Shops and between the shops, collecting donations from the public and to deliver purchased goods to customers.
Your Journey with Family Life
Starting your volunteer journey is straightforward. First, we’ll meet to discuss your interests and find a fit for you. We’ll show you around, introduce you to the team, and answer all your questions. Once we’ve found your ideal fit, we’ll complete the necessary safety checks and provide comprehensive training to ensure you feel confident and supported in your role.
We welcome volunteers who are 15 years or older and can commit to regular shifts (typically 3-4 hours weekly or fortnightly). While we do require safety screening, including Working with Children and Police Checks, we’ll guide you through this process. What matters most is your reliability, positive attitude, and desire to make a difference.
Our Promise to You
When you join Family Life, you become part of a community that values and supports you. We provide thorough training, ongoing support, and opportunities to grow. We celebrate diversity and welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Starting your volunteer journey is as simple as reaching out. Contact our Volunteer Team or complete our Expression of Interest form below. We’re excited to meet you and help you find your perfect role in our community.
As a child-safe organisation, we maintain high standards to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We’ll work with you to complete all necessary safety requirements, ensuring everyone in our care remains protected.
Remember, whether you can give a few hours a week or want to make a longer commitment, your contribution matters. Every moment you spend with us helps build a stronger, more connected community. We look forward to welcoming you to the Family Life team.
Moya joined Family Life as a volunteer, working in the Mornington Peninsula Community Op Shop.
Through her volunteer work with Family Life, Moya has found a sense of fulfilment and purpose that she never thought possible. She has made new friends, gained new skills, and has a newfound appreciation for the positive impact a small gesture, such as volunteering, can make in one’s life and in the community.
The duration of the safety screening process can vary, as it includes Police record checks, a Working with Children Check, and other pre-employment screenings. Our supportive team is available to assist and guide you every step of the way.
Family Life looks for volunteers who are dedicated, compassionate, and have a desire to make a positive difference in the community. Some common things we look for in all Family Life volunteers are:
The minimum age for volunteering is 15. This allows students to fulfil community service projects and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
Volunteer hours may vary. Typically 4 hours a week is enough availability to make a difference to your local community!
Once matched to a site, volunteers receive an on-site induction as part of their first shift and are provided on on the job training for their role. Further training is also available and dependent on the volunteering role.
Yes! We love having community and corporate groups take part in our Corporate Volunteering program. All groups can volunteer onsite at our Distribution Center in Moorabbin. To get in touch, please contact our team on 03 8599 5433.
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