Volunteering with Vinnies in South Australia - frequently asked questions

Anyone who is passionate about supporting their community and meets the requirements of the volunteer role. The minimum age is 15 for Retail Assistant roles and 18 for all other volunteer roles.

Our roles are designed for people who can make an ongoing, regular commitment, with the time commitment varying depending on the role, location and shift availability.

Retail Assistant and Electrical Test & Tag roles are suitable for volunteers looking to build skills and experience as part of an employment pathway and generally require at least 4 hours per week.

Fred’s Van requires around 3–4 hours monthly and can suit people who work or have other regular commitments.

Crisis Centre and Assistance Line roles involve direct contact with vulnerable people and require volunteers who can make a consistent, ongoing commitment, generally around 3–4 hours fortnightly, depending on the role.

We will review your application within 5–7 business days. We will contact you if further information is required or to discuss your application. Depending on the role, the process may include an interview, Police Check, additional clearances, induction and site orientation.

Most training is 'on the job' and you will learn as you go with the support of your manager and coordinator. You will also have access to an online training platform to ensure you have the skills and information required to fulfil your role safely.

Your manager/coordinator will support your training needs as required in conjunction with our Work, Health and Safety Coordinator and other relevant personnel.

Some Vinnies SA volunteer opportunities may be suitable for people meeting Centrelink volunteering requirements, subject to role and shift availability. Please check your individual requirements with Centrelink/Services Australia before applying and let us know the number of volunteer hours you are required to complete. Vinnies SA can only confirm the hours actually completed through Vinnies SA and cannot determine whether your volunteering meets your individual Centrelink requirements.

Our volunteer roles generally require an ongoing commitment. We are currently unable to accommodate student placements, work experience, return-to-work or other short-term placements.

We are currently unable to offer return-to-work placements.

We are currently unable to accommodate student placements, work experience or other short-term placements.

You can select your preferred role and location when applying. When choosing a location, consider the distance, travel time and transport options that work for you. Placement is subject to the success of your application and depends on current vacancies, volunteer capacity and the needs of each site.

Not necessarily. Many roles provide on-the-job training and support. Some specialist roles may require specific qualifications or experience.

As part of Vinnies SA’s Safety Screening Policy and Safeguarding Requirements, a current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), commonly referred to as a Police Check, is mandatory for all volunteers to help ensure a safe environment. All applicants are required to have a current Police Check to progress their application. Vinnies SA covers the cost of the check for successful applicants.

We may accept an existing Police Check that was issued within the past three years, provided it meets Vinnies SA’s requirements. For information about the types of checks and their validity, please visit ACIC – Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Validity. If your Police Check meets our requirements, please email a copy to volunteering@svdpsa.org.au after submitting your application form.

Yes. Let us know your interests, skills, preferred location and availability in the application form so we can identify suitable opportunities.

Vacancies change regularly, so you’re welcome to check our volunteer opportunities again. For the latest updates, you can also subscribe to Seek Volunteer, GoVolunteer and/or Volunteering SA&NT to receive notifications when new opportunities are advertised.

Each person must complete their own application form for consideration. You’re welcome to mention in your application that you would like to volunteer with a friend or family member. Placement will depend on eligibility, current vacancies, volunteer capacity and the needs of each site, so we cannot guarantee that you will be placed together.

Volunteers should wear comfortable, practical and appropriate clothing suitable for their role, along with closed-toe, appropriate footwear. Clothing should be clean, neat and not offensive or inappropriate. Specific requirements may vary by site and role.

Please let your Shop Manager, site supervisor or relevant contact know as early as possible if you cannot attend your scheduled shift.

You can discuss changes to your role, location or availability with your Shop Manager and site supervisor. Any change will depend on available opportunities and the requirements of the new role.

If we were unable to answer your question on this page, please reach out to us via email volunteering@svdpsa.org.au