Volunteering is one of the most direct ways to support people with disability, families and communities experiencing hardship in Melbourne's west. If you've been thinking about getting involved with Nhanya Foundation but aren't sure what that actually looks like day to day, or what's required before you can start, this guide walks through the roles on offer, the safety checks every volunteer needs, and exactly how to register your interest.
The kinds of roles Nhanya looks for
Volunteer opportunities at Nhanya vary depending on current need, but they generally fall into four broad areas. Program and activity support means assisting our team during Day Program, Life Skills and Community Participation sessions, helping with activities, cooking, outings and one-on-one support. School Holiday Program support involves helping supervise and support participants during our therapist-overseen School Holiday Program outings and activities. Community outings and events support covers recreational activities and Nhanya events, helping participants get out and connect with their community. And for those who'd rather contribute behind the scenes, administration and fundraising support helps keep our programs running, whether that's office tasks, event coordination or fundraising activities.
Do you need experience to volunteer?
No. Nhanya welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds. What matters most is a genuine interest in supporting the community and a willingness to complete the required safety checks and induction before starting. Whether you're a student looking for real-world experience, someone between jobs, or simply want to give back in a practical way, there's no single "type" of person we're looking for.
Our commitment to safety
Nhanya Foundation is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every person we support, including children and people with disability. Because of this, all volunteers are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check and complete a National Police Check before starting, along with an induction covering our Child Safe Standards. This isn't a box-ticking exercise, it's a core part of how Nhanya makes sure every participant is supported in an environment they and their families can trust.
How the process works
Getting started is a straightforward three-step process. First, you register your interest by completing the short volunteer form on our Volunteer page, including which type of volunteering appeals to you. Second, our team gets in touch to have a chat about current opportunities and what's involved, so you have a clear picture before committing to anything. Third, once you're matched to a role, we guide you through the Working with Children Check, police check and induction, so none of it feels like guesswork.
Why volunteering matters here
Nhanya Foundation supports women, children, young people, people with disability and families facing hardship, often at moments when an extra pair of hands, or simply someone reliable to show up, makes a genuine difference. As a registered Australian charity and Public Benevolent Institution, Nhanya runs on a combination of a small paid team, donations and volunteer time to deliver advocacy, accommodation pathways, disability and allied health support, outreach, life-readiness and culturally responsive community support. Volunteers help stretch what that team can achieve across programs, outings and events, and many find the experience just as rewarding as the people they're supporting do. It's also a practical, hands-on way to see exactly where your time and effort go, rather than a one-off gesture.
What to expect once you're matched to a role
Every role looks a little different depending on the program, but the process itself stays consistent. Once your checks and induction are complete, Nhanya's team will brief you on what a session or event involves before you start, so you're never walking in blind. Because programs like Day Programs, Life Skills sessions and School Holiday Program outings run on a schedule, volunteers are generally matched to roles that fit their availability, rather than being expected to commit to something open-ended from day one.
Other ways to help if volunteering isn't the right fit
If regular volunteering doesn't suit your circumstances right now, there are other ways to support Nhanya's work. You can make a tax-deductible donation, connect us with community partners, or share our work with people who might benefit from our services or want to get involved themselves. Every form of support, time, money or a simple introduction, adds up for a charity this size.
Ready to get involved? Register your interest on Nhanya Foundation's Volunteer page, or call 03 8595 9012 if you have questions first.