Australian Refugee Volunteers (ARV) is an entirely volunteer-run non-religious and apolitical organisation that runs exciting programs for children from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds in Sydney. We organise programs to take our clients out for fun days to give them these opportunities that their families might not necessarily be able to provide.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to provide fun and laughter to these children and young people in Sydney. Most programs run only one day each month. We run all sorts of events such as ice skating, mini golf, indoor rock climbing, and community outreach, and are always interested to hear your ideas for new activities as well!

Volunteers can help out in one or more of the following programs as a volunteer 'buddy':

• Kids Program (clients aged 7-11) • Youth Program (clients aged 11-13) • Teens Program (clients aged 12-16) • Charity Program (clients aged 15-18) • Camps (held during school/uni holidays)

Volunteers are normally paired with a child for the day, but then come together for group activities.  You will support them in the activities for the day.

There are also opportunities to join an organisational management role (recruitment, training, program planning, volunteer management). Our committee is made up of people who started out as general volunteers, so you never know where you might end up.

ARV can be a great boost to your CV too. There are more than a handful of ex-ARV management volunteers who have benefited greatly from the experience they gained at ARV before going into work at NGO's, social work, community work, refugee law, nursing and many other areas.

No volunteering experience is necessary, just a positive attitude and a great sense of fun! Volunteering at ARV is a rewarding and fulfilling experience: not only will you work with people from a variety of backgrounds, you will directly see the impact of your work and meet other like-minded people!

Applications

Visit our website and find the 'Fill Out Application' link at the end of the page.

At the end of the application you will need to book a day for training, held monthly. You will also need to apply for a Working With Children's Check (WWCC), details will be provided in the sign-up process.

2020 training dates and program dates can be found on our website.