Formal volunteering is an activity, which always takes place within a not-for-profit organisation or project and is undertaken:

• to be of benefit to the community and the volunteer
• of the volunteer’s own free will and without coercion
• without financial payment
• in a designated volunteer position only.

Around the Bay in a Day is the ultimate one day cycling challenge organised by Bicycle Victoria . It is Australia’s largest bike ride, with over 15,500 people participating last year.

Importantly, both The Smith Family and Bicycle Victoria rely on Volunteers to make this event a success. This year’s event needs a total of 600 volunteers, particularly from the Geelong region!

From 29 September to 3 October 2010, Melbourne and Geelong will host the 2010 UCI Road World Championships. Second in prestige only to the Tour De France, the World Championships will attract the world’s most exciting athletes from over 50 nations.

Offered outside of Europe only once every seven years, the 2010 UCI Road World Championships will be an Australian first and present a truly unique opportunity to join a World Class Volunteer Team and experience elite international cycling firsthand.

Applications are now open online via the ‘Becoming a Volunteer’ page at www.melbourne2010.com.au.

Alternatively download application form here.

Skills to Empower - Driver Practice Program for Refugees

The “Skills to Empower” Driving Practice Program is a TAC funded program run by Diversitat. Diversitat have the support of Victoria Police, Vic roads, Road Safe Barwon, and Handbrake turn. “Skills to Empower” is a volunteer mentor support program aimed at assisting mature age refugees with a learners permit to gain the driving experience they require to pass the Probationary License test.

Volunteers required for Epilepsy Family Camp

The Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria takes every opportunity to enhance the quality of the lives of people living with epilepsy. The recreational camp program is part of this vision and consequently runs two annual camps. This year both will be held at the Anglesea Recreation Camp.

Generally speaking if a person’s visa allows them to do paid work then they would automatically be able to volunteer. The only visas that need checking are those visas where paid work is not allowed. Refer to the links below for more information on specific visa categories. For more information on visitors from overseas wishing to volunteer it is best to refer to the Department of Immigration & Citizenship website.