There are plenty of opportunities to lend a hand in our local area this National Volunteer Week – and all year round.
Over 10,000 people in the North Sydney local government area volunteer, according to the 2021 Census. That’s about 1 in 6 people who share their time and skills to make our community more connected – a far higher proportion than across Greater Sydney.
Mayor Zoë Baker says: “In a time when we are increasingly polarised and isolated, volunteering brings people together. It is part of the heartbeat of our community, improving social inclusion and connectedness. That sense of giving back and connecting with others makes North Sydney such a special place to live, study and work.”
If you have skills to share or can lend a hand, check out current opportunities around the North Sydney area and beyond below. There’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a few hours a week or a one-time event, every bit counts.
We're also celebrating inspiring young and long-term local volunteers on our social media this week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Current volunteering opportunities
Aboriginal Heritage Office
Care for the Coal Loader chickens
The Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO) is calling for volunteers to help monitor Aboriginal heritage sites around the North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Willoughby and Northern Beaches council areas. Site Monitors inform the AHO of any damage and help to enhance community awareness and appreciation for Aboriginal heritage and history.
If you'd like to be part of the Volunteer Site Monitoring Program or learn more about it, contact ahovolunteer@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. No previous experience required.
Coal Loader chickens
The Coal Loader chickens are affectionately known as 'The Waverton Ladies Choir'. Working on a roster basis, each morning and night volunteers care for the chickens and share the eggs they lay. Comprehensive training is provided.
To find out more about the work and get involved, reach out to coalloadercommunitygarden@gmail.com.
Council museums
Don Bank Museum volunteers
If you're interested in local history, Don Bank Museum is on the hunt for museum attendants. You'll meet and interact with the public, and get to know the history of the sites and the general area. Museum volunteers usually do one 3-hour shift a month. Full training and mentoring are provided.
Apply via Council's volunteer application form.
Neutral Bay Community Centre
Opportunities include:
- IT tutors, who volunteer a regular time slot to give one-to-one lessons to the centre's members, mostly on their own devices
- hosts or hostesses, who support staff to welcome people to the centre, enrol new members, chat and make drinks
The centre encourages anyone with a particular skill or passion you would like to share with members to get in touch. That's how some of its special interest groups (eg language classes, walking groups) have been created.
Full training and induction will be given to all new volunteers. Get in touch via info@nbaycommunity.com.au or on 9953 6447.
The Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre and Crows Nest Centre also welcome interest from prospective volunteers.
Lifeline Crisis Support
Lifeline
Lifeline's Crisis Support volunteers provide support over the phone so that no one has to face their darkest moment alone. Volunteers are needed to staff a new Lifeline Crisis Centre in North Sydney. No prior experience is required. You'll gain the skills and confidence you need through an accredited Telephone Crisis Support Course before taking your first call. The course starts in early August, and will run for 12 weeks.
Find out more and apply on the Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney website.
North Sydney Brothers
The North Sydney Brothers Junior Rugby League Club is after club representatives, coaches and/or trainers. Volunteers can register on the Play Rugby League website, or can reach out to the club via their website.
Volunteer with Bushcare
Forsyth Park Bushcare Group
Help to restore this important wildlife corridor – the only inland pocket of remnant bushland in North Sydney. No prior experience is needed. At all Bushcare group sessions, you’ll receive training and support from a qualified supervisor, gloves and tools, and morning or afternoon tea. The Forsyth Park Bushcare group meets on the fourth weekend of each month, on a Saturday, from 1pm to 4pm.
Apply via Council's volunteer application form.
The Sydney Library of Things
On Saturday mornings at the Coal Loader, the Sydney Library of Things opens its doors to offer useful, but only occasionally needed, items for members to borrow. The library is in need of front desk volunteers to greet people and help the community borrow tools, equipment and resources. All volunteers are given a free membership so you can borrow as often as you like.
The Sydney Library of Things
Find out more and sign up by completing the expression of interest form.
North Sydney Community Centre
Opportunities include:
- handyperson to fix tables, chairs, broken toys and more
- gardener to care for our green areas and water the plants weekly
- Monday morning helper to check rooms, move bins and get things ready for classes
Find out more on the NSCC website, then get in touch via info@northsydneycentre.com.au or 9922 2299.
Joy of Giving Hub
A new space for toy swaps and sustainability edcuation, the Joy of Giving Hub, is now open in Crows Nest. They are on the look out for volunteers to help out in three dedicated roles: social media assistants, educators, and hub assistants. Volunteers must have a Working with Children Check.
Joy of Giving Hub
Check the Joy of Giving website for more info, including details of an upcming session for volunteer information (coming soon), or apply directly now.
2025 TCS Sydney Marathon
In the lead-up to the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, Council has partnered with event organisers to reward Volunteer Champions - local residents who rally the most volunteers for the marathon start line on Sunday 31 August 2025.
Three winners will receive free entry into the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, now part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. All race-day volunteers will get a limited-edition volunteer shirt, ASICS cap, snacks, and exclusive access to a ballot for entry into the 2026 event.
Precinct Committees
You can join your local Precinct Committee to share your views on a range of topics and help inform Council of community opinion on projects, plans and proposals. North Sydney's Precinct Committees are run by residents and provide feedback to Council in an advisory capacity. They also organise events to foster community connections.
Find your precinct and how to join.
Here are some inspiring volunteers who give back and make a difference in our community: