Indigenous Community Volunteers

What's Involved

who | what | where | when | costs | support | apply

Volunteering with ICV is a unique experience available right here in your own backyard. It's your opportunity to do something different while making a difference! You experience Indigenous Australia while sharing your skills―something many people don't often get the chance to do.

Sounds interesting - but you're not sure how you can contribute? Read on to discover how you can become involved in one of our many diverse projects…

Who volunteers?

The answer to this question might be - who doesn't! We have over 750 volunteers from all walks of life with all kinds of skills. Students, tradespeople, professionals, academics, entrepreneurs and retirees alike – no matter what your background - all it takes is a willingness to share your skills and a desire to learn something new.

ICV volunteers are people with a positive attitude to life, a capacity to handle unexpected situations and the readiness to assist others in learning new skills... not to mention a sense of adventure! To meet some of our exisiting volunteers click here.

International applications may be considered. Click here for more info.

What skills are needed?

Volunteers with all kinds of skills are needed….hairdressing, cabinet making, tourism, poultry breeding… you name it we've had a request. The skills most often identified are business planning, corporate governance, office and financial administration and IT. Other highly requested skills include marketing communication, childcare, health, horticulture, agriculture and building.

Click here to view availabe projects.

Do I need a qualification?

No. Formal qualifications are not essential as long as you have the necessary experience to transfer the desired skills. Don't underestimate the skills you may have to offer. Skills are often mistaken as formal qualifications alone, but they are much more. Skills can be acquired through our working and non working lives. They can be hobbies, the activities we do on weekends, for instance parents who have dedicated their lives to raising children possess a range of valuable skills that can be applied on projects.

Where can I go?

Anywhere and everywhere! From screen printing in Redfern, woodwork in Woorimba, to fencing in the Cape ICV has projects, in both urban and remote areas across Australia and the Torres Strait Islands. Volunteers often get to see some of the most amazing places this country has to offer…and all with the added bonus of local Indigenous knowledge!

You can nominate to work in specific areas or you can chose to go wherever the demand takes you.

“I have done a lot of travelling, but have always been treated like a tourist, to live in a community… its something else.” Volunteer Katherine Hall

How long do projects run for?

Projects vary in length. Most projects are short term, ranging from two weeks to six months. If you only have limited availability – for example school holidays, that's fine, just let us know and we will try to accommodate you. ICV projects run all year round, timing is determined by the communities.

What about the costs?

Unlike many overseas volunteering programs where volunteers have to cover their own travel costs.ICV takes care of all your travel and insurance expenses and we also provide a small living allowance for incidentals …so you won't be out of pocket. Accommodation is provided by the community and is usually fairly basic. You could be hosted in a community members house, a backyard caravan, or you may be given the use of a house.

What support do I get?

Prior to undertaking a project all volunteers participate in a two day cultural awareness workshop. The program covers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heritage, culture and protocols, community development tools, skills transfer within an Indigenous culture context and volunteer preparation what to take, wear, leisure time. The community nominates a cultural mentor to assist volunteers throughout their stay.

Click here for more tips about what to do on a project.

How do I apply?

It's easy! Click here to download your application form. If you have any questions regarding the application process please call 1800 819 542 and ask for the Volunteer Administrator or email info@icv.com.au.