‘The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.’ - Oscar Wilde
Volunteering at Moonee Valley City Council
We believe that volunteers are the pillars of a happy and healthy community and City of Moonee Valley is grateful to have 100+ volunteers that provide invaluable contribution by volunteering across many programs. Community spirit shown by volunteers enable the Council to provide a greater range of services and activities for residents and help us create a better place for everyone within the municipality.
Our programs
Incinerator Gallery
Volunteer at our Incinerator Gallery team and enjoy opportunities to welcome and interact with visitors to Incinerator Gallery. Through involvement in support of exhibitions, events, public and schools’ education programs, volunteers can broaden their social and professional networks by meeting people with similar interests.
Home Library Services
The Home Library Service is a free program for Moonee Valley residents who are unable to visit the library for reasons including frailty, disability, illness or are full time carers of the above. Our Volunteers deliver library materials to members of our community on monthly basis.
TAC L2P
The TAC L2P Program is funded by the TAC, administered by the Department of Transport, and delivered locally by Moonee Valley City Council. Volunteer Mentor is matched with a young learner driver and supports this learner to gain the driving experience needed to develop safe driving skills and prepare for their driving test.
The Lab
The Lab is a growing network of not-for-profit technology clubs for autistic children and young people who enjoy working and playing with computers. By providing a safe and welcoming space and technology-based activities, The Lab can help young people on the autism spectrum develop important skills, gain confidence, and pursue their passions. Our volunteer provides the participants with access to IT and technology skills within a supportive social environment as well as provide support to the Mentors of this program in running the sessions smoothly
Why volunteer at city of Moonee valley?
We are grateful to have volunteers that provide invaluable contribution by volunteering at our Incinerator Gallery, help Walk the School Bus program, deliver library material to residents who cannot come to libraries in Home Library Services program, Youth programs like mentor in L2P and DriveLink, Avenue Productions and support community members in Mends Shed program as well as volunteer at the Flemington Community Hub by creating social activities. We believe that Volunteers are the pillars of creating a happy and healthy community and our volunteers enable the Council to provide a greater range of services and activities for local residents.
Watch the video to hear some of our Volunteer Managers and our CEO appreciate the amazing contribution our volunteers provide to the Council and to the Moonee Valley Community.
Volunteer Stories
Ed Castenmiller
Ed, a retired IT professional from the Netherlands, discovered volunteering after his retirement. He found that keeping busy and helping others brought him more satisfaction than watching television or reading a book. Ed's volunteer work began with mowing his nature strip and helping neighbors with everyday tasks. He then saw a newspaper article about a program to help migrants learn how to drive and decided to get involved.
As a volunteer with the TransUrban Drivelink program, Ed supervises driving practice with learner drivers, helping them gain the confidence and skills they need to get their driver's license. Witnessing the relief and joy on the faces of learners who pass their driving test is what Ed finds most satisfying about his volunteer work. He recognizes the life-changing impact the program has as it empowers participants with the freedom and independence that a driver's license brings. "It is so liberating!" he says.
Diane Tabbagh
Diane, a mom with a young daughter, has been involved with the Walking School Bus program for several years. This program, a collaboration between Moonee Valley City Council and local schools, sees volunteers guiding groups of children walking to and from school, creating a safe and social environment.
Diane's initial motivation for volunteering was environmental. She saw the program as a way to reduce car use and benefit the planet. "The less time we use a car, the better for our planet,” she reasoned. However, over time, she discovered the program's positive impact extended beyond the environment. She finds it personally rewarding, enjoying the conversations with the children and witnessing their growing confidence and friendships. The program fosters a sense of community, not just for the children but also for the volunteers. Diane has developed close friendships with others involved in the program. "I feel that I get more out of volunteering than I need to put in," Diane says. Her experience highlights the unexpected benefits that volunteering can bring, encouraging others to take the plunge and contribute to a stronger, more connected society. "If we all put in whatever we can, we and society will be stronger, more connected and richer," says Diane.
Volunteering with us
Important information for people who are considering volunteering with Moonee Valley City Council.
Volunteer work is unpaid. We are unable to guarantee that volunteering with Council will result in paid employment.
You are not guaranteed a volunteer position if you apply. In order for the experience to be a positive one for both yourself and the organisation it is important that we match your skills, knowledge and motivation against the requirements of the volunteer position which may not always be possible/available.
All our volunteers are allocated a supervisor in the area they are working. Supervisors provide on the job training, guidance and direction to make it easy and enjoyable to carry out your volunteer role.
Your volunteer supervisor can provide you with a statement of service which details your roles and responsibilities and hours as a volunteer, however it is not Council’s policy to give written references. Your volunteer supervisor is able to give a verbal reference over the phone.
Due to the types of volunteer roles available we are not able to guarantee the amount of hours that may be required by Centrelink.
All people who are 18 years of age or more, who work with children or at locations used by children, to carry a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). We will also accept Victorian Teacher's Registration (VIT) or Leading Senior Constable Registration (SCR) reference details.
Where a WWCC is required, it will be stated in the volunteer role description.
Working with Children Checks are available to volunteers without charge, to find out more about the check and how to apply, please visit the My Check website.
Many volunteer roles at Council require a Police Check. Where a Police Check is required, it will be stated in the volunteer role description.
There is no cost to the applicant and we provide guidance on how to complete the process.
Any findings are treated with respect and strict confidentiality.
Findings relevant to a role will mean that the applicant will be ineligible for that role and need to choose a different type of role to apply for.
Due to time commitment and insurance requirements, our volunteering program is not suitable for school community service or Duke of Edinburgh requirements. If you are seeking this type of placement, please complete a Work Experience Interest Form.
You can also refer to your school’s DoE Program Coordinator for advice, or contact an agency such as Volunteering Victoria or Volunteer West for information about specialised opportunities for young people.
Council does not run emergency response operations. For this type of opportunity, please contact Emergency Response agencies, e.g. State Emergency Services, Red Cross, CFA.
During an emergency, trained and experienced volunteers are required.
If you have a passion to assist during an emergency, apply to join when there is no emergency in progress. That way you will be trained and ready when an emergency happens.
Research shows that volunteers are vital for a successful recovery following an emergency, if you are interested in volunteering to help with emergency recovery, please go to WeVolunteer.
Our Council does not operate a traditional Meals on Wheels service with a voluntary workforce and so we are unable to offer you a volunteering opportunity of that kind.
For residents who are seniors, living with a disability, or primary carers, our Council provides the Community Meals program with officers providing home-Delivered meals and regular welfare checks.
For more information contact Volunteer Services on 0499 985 101 or email volunteer@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Other resources
Volunteer West
Volunteer West is the Volunteer Resource Centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services and offer a range of services to volunteers and community organisations in Moonee Valley. Please contact them via email volunteerwest@amcservices.org.au or phone 1800 123 VOL (1800 123 865) to have a chat for volunteering opportunities within Moonee Valley region.
Local community groups and clubs
Moonee Valley's a vibrant, inclusive city with a community group for everyone. Use our community group directory to find the right group for you.
From kinders to senior citizen groups, from community gardens to Rotary clubs, find like-minded people whatever your age or interest.
Volunteering Victoria
Volunteering Victoria is the state peak body for volunteering, focusing on advocacy, sector development and the promotion of volunteering. Volunteering Victoria is leading the development of a collaborative, sustainable and well-respected volunteering community in Victoria. To find out more or to register with please visit the website or call 1800 950 495.
GoVolunteer
With GoVolunteer online tool you can search for volunteer positions nationally. You can search by organisation type, position, or post code.
More information
Contact Volunteer Development Office by email at volunteer@mvcc.vic.gov.au or by calling on 0499 985 101.