Volunteer with us
Volunteering is a great way to take action towards sustainability and contribute positively to the University community. Our volunteer opportunities offer students the chance to learn about waste education, promote sustainable habits, make friends, and engage with people across the University on topics around sustainability.
Why become a Sustainability Volunteer?
- Your volunteered hours can count towards the LICA (Leaders in Communities Award)
- Score a reference for your resume (if you really impress us with your dedication and enthusiasm)
- Become an advocate for sustainability while you’re on campus
- Gain skills in promotion, education and engagement
- Learn more about sustainability topics including waste and biodiversity
- Meet like-minded staff and students on campus
- Make a real difference by directly influencing staff and students to make more sustainable choices
Volunteer with Green Impact
Get involved in our flagship volunteer program to receive training, connect with other students, and work with sustainably-minded staff from across the University.
Available positions
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Promote the Choose to Reuse Plate Program
Promote waste-free lunches with the Choose to Reuse Plate Program at Union House or the Student Precinct.
The Choose to Reuse Plate Program is a reusable dish service offered on campus that allows customers to purchase food and drink without the disposable packaging. The service offers plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery for anyone to order their meals in. We need enthusiastic volunteers to engage with staff and students, explaining how the service works and what the benefits are.
Your role
Your role will be to encourage use of the service, and educate people about correct waste, recycling and organics disposal, particularly new students.
For this role you will need to feel comfortable approaching other students you may not know and engaging in conversation.
Shifts are two hours long. All students can apply.
Volunteer dates
The first 3 weeks of every semester and Wednesdays during the semester at the Melbourne Farmers Market.
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Plant trees on University of Melbourne Campuses
Get outdoors and help increase vegetation on campus for biodiversity!
Your role
Join the Grounds Team and plant trees on the Parkville, Southbank or Werribee campuses. You'll be working to help create even more lush leafy green spaces on campus for our community to enjoy.
Some experience and a pair of steel-capped boots are preferred, although not essential, and you will receive any necessary training on the day.
Shift dates
Register your interest to find out about upcoming planting days.
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Participate in UniBioQuest this August
Record sightings of species found on campus to help the University protect its on-campus biodiversity, while learning about Australian wildlife!
Your role
Simply record as many sightings of on-campus animals, insects and fungi as possible during the month of August using the QuestaGame app and you could win some fantastic prizes including a 12-month Zoos Victoria membership!
Round two information:
- Competition runs 2nd – 31st August
- How to join: Download the QuestaGame app and create an account. Register into the competition as a UniMelb competitor (its free!)
- Find out more information on our website
Shift dates
Competition runs for the whole of August.
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Be a waste educator
Learn about the different waste streams on campus and share your knowledge to reduce bin contamination. We're looking for volunteers who are passionate about waste education and want to become experts.
Your role
You will be stationed at busy bins at major events throughout the year, helping people to choose the right bin when disposing of waste. You will engage with staff and students, educating them on the different waste streams and debunking any common waste myths.
Volunteers in this role will be trained on correct waste disposal, so don't worry if you're not sure how to 'bin it right' just yet!
Shift dates
Dates depend on upcoming events that require waste educators.
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Volunteer with the UMSU Bike Collective
The Bike Collective in Union House is a 100% student-run space specialising in bike repairs and advice for cyclists at UniMelb.
Your role
Provide advice and support to students who need help with bike repairs at the Bike Collective's weekly workshop.
Contact the Bike Collective via their Facebook page or by emailing environment@union.unimelb.edu.au if you would like to volunteer.
Shift dates
The workshop is open every Tuesday 11am-2pm.
Sign up to the sustainability volunteers mailing list to be notified when new positions become available.
Sign up to the volunteering newsletter
Want more?
If you have an idea for a sustainability project or task you’d like to volunteer your time for, contact the Sustainability team via email, detailing how your idea would benefit the student experience on campus.