Hastings Neighbourhood Services

Welcome to ​
Volunteer Resource Centre​

Volunteer Resource Centre
2 Dodds Steet, Port Macquarie
​
[email protected]

Coordinator: Sheryl McMullen
02 6584 1947
We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals of all abilities. ​We recognise the First Nations Peoples of Australia, paying homage to the cultural traditions of Elders past, present, and emerging, and we honor the Birpai people upon whose land we gather.​

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Always wanted to volunteer but
​
not too sure where to start? 
At Hastings Neighbourhood Services, we always welcome volunteers eager to contribute to our various programs and services. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our organisation, and their presence is crucial for the delivery of our programs.

Our volunteer management and recruitment service, the Volunteer Resource Centre (VRC) also recruits volunteers for other not for profit community services in the Port Macquarie region, so we are well placed to find the right fit volunteer role for you. ​​

Register here to volunteer

Volunteering is characterised as 
​"time willingly offered for the common good without financial compensation"

People choose to volunteer for various reasons, and you may find one that resonates with you from the list below:
  • Making a difference in the lives of others
  • Supporting a cause you are passionate about
  • Giving back to the community
  • Assisting those less fortunate
  • Contributing to environmental conservation
  • Feeling valued and being part of a team
  • Enjoying quality time away from work or a hectic lifestyle
  • Building confidence and self-esteem
  • Acquiring or enhancing skills, knowledge, and experience
  • Boosting employment prospects
  • Meeting new people and forging friendships
  • Exploring career options
  • Enhancing your CV
No matter your motivation, we can assist you in finding a role that interests you and provides enjoyment.

Volunteering Boosts Happiness

In the pursuit of a meaningful life, people often search for purpose through career achievement, personal development, or material success. Yet, one of the most fulfilling and transformative paths to personal growth and happiness comes from something much simpler volunteering.

Whether it’s mentoring youth, supporting a charity, or contributing to community development, giving your time and energy to others has a profound impact on your emotional well-being, mental clarity, and inner resilience.
​
Watch the slideshow below to explore how volunteering not only benefits the community but also nurtures your own growth, confidence, and long-term happiness.

Let's Get Started on Your Volunteer Journey

Step by Step Guide -
How to Become a Volunteer
The Volunteer Resource Centre can provide you with all the help needed to get you started on your volunteer journey. ​All you need to do is Register with us and one of our friendly Volunteer Resource Centre team members will be in touch to help start the search to find that perfect role.
Thank you for considering our organisation and interest in becoming a volunteer. Being a volunteer can be so rewarding not only on a personal level but also in making a difference within the community. Hastings Neighbourhood Services and the Volunteer Resource Centre are always looking for motivated and committed volunteers to assist at one of our three locations in:
​
  • Port Macquarie
  • Wauchope
  • Lake Cathie Community Hub
  • or at any of our not-for-profit community organisations in the Port Macquarie Hastings region
​
Step 1:
Complete the Volunteer Registration Form
The more information you can share, the easier it will be to find the most suitable volunteer role.
For people wanting to volunteer with us at any of our HNS services or Neighbourhood Centre's
​The Hastings Neighbourhood Services is proudly deemed a 'Child Safe Organisation'. All our internal volunteers will be required to have or, be willing to: Go to Pre-employment Compliance Check page for more details on the NSW legislation & requirements.
Step 2:
Apply for a Working with Children’s Check using the link below. 
​When asked the purpose of your WWCC application, tick volunteering on your application as there is no charge for volunteers.
Step 3:
Complete the Child Safe eLearning online training Certificate with The Office of The Children's Guardian using the link below.
When registering as a first-time user, record your username and password somewhere safe as you are unlikely to complete all 9 modules in one sitting.
Step 4:
Read through the “Volunteer Experience Workshop” slideshow below.
It will provide more information and give you a better understanding of volunteering. It has been specifically designed for potential volunteers to help them understand what is involved in taking on a volunteer role.  We hope it will build your confidence to take on a volunteer role by explaining what you can expect from the organisation that you choose, and what they will expect from you in return.
Course written and supplied by the State Peak Body for Volunteering:
Step 5:
Complete the “Volunteer Experience Workshop” Feedback Form below.
Once you have read through the slideshow pages, we would appreciate if you would complete the feedback form which should only take a couple of minutes to complete. This will allow us to make sure that we are delivering meaningful information.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please reach out and we will be more than happy to assist you. Our office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 8 am-3 pm.
 
Thank you for considering our organisation and interest in becoming a volunteer and congratulations on taking your first steps to making a difference.  Volunteering is incredibly rewarding so once you are ready to commit, let's get you started on your volunteer journey.​
Finding a Volunteer Role Right For You
​Regardless of background, skills, experience or the amount of time you have for volunteering, there are different roles to suit everyone.  
The first step to get ready is to think about: 
  • the type of volunteering you would like to do 
  • your interests and passions, and the types of organisations you'd like to volunteer with 
  • what you hope to get from the volunteer experience 
  • how much time you can give as a volunteer
  • how regularly you want to volunteer, for example one-off, weekly or monthly. 
Finding the right volunteer position for you is based on the skills you bring and the causes you are passionate about. We believe finding the right role is the key to ensuring that your volunteer experience is everything they were hoping for and leads to a long and happy association with the not-for-profit organisation you volunteer with. Check out our current job vacancies on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
A Little Bit About Us
 WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR

Still not sure, pick up the phone and call on 6584 1917 or email us at [email protected] 
One of our friendly Volunteer Resource Centre team members will be happy to help you start the search to find that perfect role.
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​​The VRC is funded by and aligned with the volunteering state peak body, The Centre for Volunteering. We take pride in ensuring we are adhering to the National Standards for Volunteering. Our goal is to provide a fulfilling experience for all volunteers, where they feel appreciated, heard and supported. 

    Volunteer Enquiry and Contact Form