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Volunteer

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

STUDENT PLACEMENTS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

FAQs

Be the trusted adult who helps young people impacted by family mental illness feel connected, supported, and seen.

Why Volunteer with Kookaburra Kids?

At Kookaburra Kids, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. As trusted adults, they play a vital role in creating safe, fun, and supportive spaces where young people impacted by family mental illness can learn, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s guiding a group through a camp activity, lending an ear during a tough moment, or simply sharing a laugh, our volunteers help build the connections that make every program truly special.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Volunteering with Kookaburra Kids is also a chance to grow personally and professionally, to form lasting friendships, discover a sense of belonging, and be part of a community united by purpose. Many of our volunteers tell us the experience has changed their lives too, giving them new skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of mental health and resilience.

From camps and activity days to online sessions, fundraising, and advocacy, every role helps create brighter futures, for our young people and our volunteers alike.

 

Apply to Volunteer


Change the lives of young people impacted by family mental illness in a flexible role that suits you.

At Kookaburra Kids, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit different levels of engagement. Whether you’re supporting young people during our fun Activity Days, co-facilitating our online ‘Connect’ chat sessions, or volunteering at our adventurous weekend camps, your contribution will make a lasting impact.

We provide training to ensure you’re equipped with the skills to support these young individuals, with ongoing guidance from our team and mental health professionals.

 

Apply to Volunteer

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer

Our volunteer onboarding process ensures every new volunteer feels prepared, supported, and aligned with our mission from the very beginning. It also creates consistency, reduces risks, and sets clear expectations so volunteers can contribute effectively and confidently.

Apply to Volunteer

Student Placements

Through our student placement program, we hope to shape the future of community and youth work professionals by enriching their studies with real-world experiences supporting young people from diverse backgrounds.

If you would like to enquire whether our programs meet the learning objectives of your course, please contact us via the button below.

  • 48 placement hours for a weekend camp from Friday to Sunday afternoon.
  • Activity Days are between 3 to 8 hours.
  • International students are welcome.
  • We can assist with obtaining your Working with Children Card and completing a free National Police Check.
  • We have an expectation that all volunteers, including students attend 3 programs per year. International students are welcome, they must have 6 months + on their visa. All volunteers must have a Working with Children Card and complete a National Police Check.

We welcome students who do not require placement hours but would still like to attend programs for real-world experience. Experience on our youth camps can help you refine your support and leadership skills and stand out from other graduates.

Contact Us

“I volunteer with Kookaburra Kids as a way to give back to the community I get to see first hand the impact our programs have on young people and their families. I also love to have fun with them”.

Emma
Volunteer

“Volunteering with Kookaburra Kids gives me the opportunity to be a big kid. I love having the opportunity to see the young people grow and smile during the different activities and camps”.

Dee
Volunteer

Upcoming Programs in Need of Volunteers

At Kookaburra Kids, we are dedicated to supporting young people across Australia who are impacted by family mental illness. Our programs are available in a wide range of regions, ensuring that more children and families have access to the vital support they need to thrive.

ACT - PROGRAMS

  • 22 February – Warehouse Circus Workshop, Chifley
  • 21 March – Mini Paintball, Tuggeranong

NSW - PROGRAMS

  • 27 February to 1 March – Wombarroo Water Camp, High Range
  • 20 to 22 February – Great Aussie Bush Camp, Morisset
  • 21 February – Jamberoo Action Park, Jamberoo
  • 28 February – Treetops Adventures, Coffs Harbour
  • 6-8 March – GABC Kincumber Camp, Central Coast
  • 14 March – Irukundji Ray Encounters, Port Stephens
  • 13 – 15 March – March On Camp, Katoomba
  • 21 March – Luna Park, Sydney
  • 27 – 29 March – Bear Grills Survival Camp, Coffs Harbour

NT - PROGRAMS

  • 21 February – Play and Pixel Day, Palmerston Mini Golf
  • 14 March – Inflatable Obstacle Course, Gray
  • 28 March – Crocodylus Park, Knucky Lagoon

QLD - PROGRAMS

  • 13 to 15 February – Camp Kindilan, Redland Bay
  • 21 February – River Tubing, Cairns
  • 7 March – Stand Firm Adventure, Redlynch
  • 14 March – Flip Flop Fiesta, The Strand Rockpool Townsville
  • 14 March – Samford Scouts Adventure, Samford
  • 20-22 March – Booloumba Creek Camp, Cambroon
  • 27-29 March – Gumburu Camp, Paluma

SA - PROGRAMS

  • 14 February – Amazing Race, Adelaide
  • 27 – 29 March – Camp Illawonga, Punyelroo

TAS - PROGRAMS

  • 7 March – Bounce Inc Hobart

VIC - PROGRAMS

  • 14 February – Funfields, Whittlesea
  • 21 March – Healesville Sanctuary, Healsville

WA - PROGRAMS

  • 21 February – Iceskating, Cockburn Ice Arena, Bibra Lake
  • 6-8 March – Woodman Point Camp, Coogee
  • 21 March – Nostalgia Box, Perth

Our team is continually working to expand our reach and bring our life-changing programs to even more young people across Australia. If you’re in one of the regions listed above or want to learn more about how to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us

FAQs from Volunteers

Q - How much of my time is needed?

  • Camps — Friday evening to Sunday after lunch. Day-volunteering options may be available in some regions.
  • Activity Days — One-day programs packed with fun and connection, ranging from 3–8 hours.
  • Online Connect Sessions — For those who want to stay involved virtually, 1–2 hours on weeknights.

Most volunteers join us around once a quarter, which helps them stay connected to the young people they support while balancing other commitments. Want to do more? Some volunteers even travel to support programs in other regions; it’s an amazing way to meet new people and broaden your experience.

Q - Do I need to be physically fit?

You don’t need to be super fit to volunteer with Kookaburra Kids, however some activity days and camps can be more physically demanding than others. We have a variety of camps and activity days to choose from that meet all types of fitness levels.

Q - Do I need to be over 18 years old?

Yes, you need to be over 18 years old to volunteer.

Q - How long does the volunteer application process take?

We aim to have your application fully processed within 30 days. Actively engaging in the process will help us meet this timeframe. Following a short interview, there are a few compliance checks to complete, once these are done, the application progresses quite quickly.

Q- What type of training is provided?

After your application is processed, you’ll complete online, self-guided training that can be done at your own pace. This must be completed before attending your first program. Training is primarily focused on child safeguarding, while also providing additional context and support for the range of activities you’ll participate in on camp.

Q - Do I need to complete a background check?

Yes. All volunteers are required to complete a Working With Children Check (or equivalent in your state or territory) and a National Police Check before participating in any programs. This helps us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all young people.

In addition to background checks, we will also request two references, with at least one being a professional reference.

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