Volunteer at Bundoora Park
Develop your skills and take part in the day-to-day running of our urban farm with our great volunteering opportunities.
Our volunteer program creates opportunities for community members to develop their skills and participate in the day-to-day running of our urban farm through a variety of volunteering positions.
We value the generous contribution of our volunteers and the support they offer in our daily operations. We are committed to ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience.
While farming experience is not required, we do look for applicants who are enthusiastic and reliable. Please note that some roles do require a moderate level of fitness, such the ability to use a shovel, broom, or wheelbarrow.
Please note that places are limited, and applicants must complete the requirements of the selection and training program.
Volunteer task descriptions
Example of duties
Animal husbandry
Assist farm hands in the daily operation of the urban farm with the preparation of food, enclosures and pens.
- Clean animal pens and enclosures
- Help prepare food for animals
- Feed animals
- Clean troughs
- Animal care, such as enrichment and grooming
- Move animals as required
- Animal handling with general public
General gardening and maintenance
Assist the farm hands and horticulturalist with weeding, planting and general maintenance.
- Revegetation (planting)
- Re-mulching of garden beds
- Hand weeding of grounds
- Farm maintenance
How to apply
Applications for our volunteer program are now open and will close on 18 March 2024.
Apply Now
After you apply
After you have submitted your application you will need to attend an information session. This session is an informal opportunity for you and the staff at Bundoora Park to get to know each other and learn about the farm and volunteering experience.
Due to limited volunteering places available, completing the application and attending the information session does not guarantee a place within the program. Successful applicants are chosen based on available places and applicant availability.
Successful applicants will be required to attend an all-day training induction before their volunteering placement begins. The date and times for the Information Session and Induction Day will be sent to volunteer applicants.
Working With Children Check
As a large proportion of the farm’s visitors are children, all successful applicants will be required to undergo a free Working With Children Check before they commence, we recommend beginning this process now.
For more information please visit the Working With Children Check website.
Volunteering FAQs
Will volunteering at Bundoora Park lead to employment?
We cannot guarantee employment at Bundoora Park on the completion of your volunteer placement. If positions do become available, they will be advertised on the Darebin Council website through which you will be able to apply.
Upon successful completion of your placement the volunteer or farm coordinator will be more than happy to provide written or telephone references.
Do I need any animal or farming experience to apply for the volunteer program?
No, you don’t need any experience- although we are looking for volunteers that are enthusiastic, willing to learn and give things a go. If you do have previous experience or farming/garden skills please let the volunteer coordinator know so that we can better utilise and help further develop your experiences and skills.
Are there age limits when applying to be a volunteer?
Applicants need to be 18 years or over.
How do I apply to become a volunteer?
Everything you need to know about applying to become a volunteer can be found in the How to Apply section above.
Can I volunteer for more than 6 months?
At the end of your 6-month volunteer placement you will have the opportunity to sit down with the volunteer or farm coordinator and discuss extending your volunteering period, this will be dependent on volunteer numbers and availability.
I am unavailable to dedicate 6 months to volunteer, can I apply for a shorter period?
It is preferable that you are able to commit for the full 6 months, preference will be given to these applicants.
How do I know if I've been accepted into the volunteer program?
The farm's volunteer team will contact you as soon as the applications have been collated.
Will I receive training in my volunteer tasks?
Yes! You will receive any necessary training so that you can complete your tasks successfully. You will also undergo orientation and safety induction.
What will I need to wear when volunteering on the farm?
You will need to wear appropriate clothes that follow the workplace health and safety standards set out by the City of Darebin - this includes sun smart clothing, a hat and fully enclosed footwear. You will find out more about these requirements during the information session for applicants.
I still have questions, who can I contact?
If you still have questions about the volunteer program and the application process, please contact our Volunteer Team at bpvolunteers@darebin.vic.gov.au or 03 8470 8170.