Volunteer opportunities with Dementia Australia

Volunteers play a crucial role to improve awareness and understanding of dementia in local communities, and to assist our programs.

Together, we support people living with dementia, their families, carers and friends – providing the information and services they need every day to live well.

As a volunteer with Dementia Australia, you will:

• be part of a national charity tackling the leading cause of death in Australia
• have the chance to deepen your knowledge and understanding of dementia
• be supported to learn new skills, gain experience and help others
• meet many wonderful, like-minded individuals and groups.

Volunteering with Dementia Australia not only helps those impacted by dementia, it enriches your own life through connection with community and personal growth. Whether you help or participate in annual fundraising events like Memory Walk & Jog, or provide continuous, ongoing volunteer support to Dementia Australia services and programs – every role is vital.

Types of volunteering opportunities

1. Memory Walk & Jog event volunteering

Our Memory Walk and Jog fundraising events are an enjoyable way to connect with others - raising money and helping create dementia friendly communities. With locations in Australia’s major cities, and some regional areas, you can be involved in event promotion and setup or help those taking part. Read more on how you can get involved.

2. Long-term volunteering

For continuous involvement with Dementia Australia, there are a range of roles that allow you to engage more deeply with our clients and services. Long-term volunteers may need to pass background checks relevant to the role and/or complete some online training or role-specific orientation, before officially joining the team.  To express your interest in this kind of volunteer work, email volunteer@dementia.org.au. Please provide your name, your location, and some general information about yourself and why you’re interested in volunteering with Dementia Australia.

3. Other volunteering opportunities

In addition to Memory Walk & Jog, we offer other volunteering opportunities such as the Connecting Peers Program and Dementia Advocates. These opportunities can take place throughout the year and are aligned with specific projects that Dementia Australia teams may be working on. Read more about volunteering with Dementia Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you’ll find answers to the top five questions we’re asked about volunteering:

1. How do I become a volunteer?

Becoming a volunteer with Dementia Australia is straightforward:

• Choose your path From the volunteering pathways mentioned earlier, make your choice and get in touch using the details provided.
• Application review One of our friendly Volunteer Coordinators will contact you to discuss your application and potential opportunities.

2. Where can I volunteer?

We welcome volunteers in metropolitan and regional centres nationwide - from Adelaide, Canberra and Newcastle, to Gold Coast, Geelong and Launceston. We’re always interested to explore how and where volunteers may be able to support our programs. Letting us know where you’re based, is a vital first step. Email volunteers@dementia.org.au. Also include your name, some general information about you and why volunteering with Dementia Australia interests you.

3. Do I need prior experience to volunteer?

No prior experience is required. Orientation is provided and for ongoing volunteers,  we may provide training tailored to your role.

4. Are there age limits for volunteers?

We encourage everyone aged 12 to 90 years to volunteer, but we do have some requirements:

• Memory Walk and Jog and event volunteers under 18 years, need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Ongoing volunteers must be over the age of 18.

5. Do you accept work experience placements or Work for the Dole activities?

We do not accept work experience placements or Work for the Dole activities. For placements related to education, please contact HR@dementia.org.au.