Volunteer Program

The MRCSA has an extensive network of more than 300 highly experienced and trained bilingual volunteers speaking more than 80 languages who provide assistance across all program areas, supporting the organisation to achieve its objectives.

The volunteer program provides a first entry point into work experience and a pathway to vocational training and employment for people of refugee background. Approximately 60% of volunteers go on to further training and/or secure employment.

Youth Volunteer Team

The volunteer program also includes a youth volunteer team of active bilingual young people of humanitarian entrant background. These young volunteers are recruited, inducted and trained in workplace ethics and industrial and legal responsibilities including: occupational health, safety and welfare (OHS&W); reporting; client services; youth rights; public speaking; careers and training pathways to enhance skills; and capacity building as role models and mentors to their respective communities. As volunteers, they inspire other young new arrivals with their confidence and knowledge while engaging them in activities such as youth support groups, shopping, city orientation and ‘buddying’. They also help link young new arrivals to meaningful activities, including sport and recreation.

Community Service Groups and Church Groups

Many community service groups and church groups participate in the MRCSA programs: donating toys, clothing, toiletry items, and other goods for new arrivals. Many groups also provide mentoring and other forms of help with recreational activities. These groups include Apex, Lions, Soroptimist International, Rotary, Kiwanis, Zonta, Penguin Club, the Uniting Church, St Vincent de Paul, Magdalene Centre, and the Salvation Army.

MRC WORKS

MRC WORKS provides training and accreditation for many of the volunteers.

The MRCSA is a member of Volunteering SA&NT.

For more information about the MRCSA volunteer program, contact the volunteer manager (tel.) 08 8217 9510.