Volunteer
Welcome to the Coorong District Council, the largest rural Council in South Australia!
Created from the amalgamation of the Meningie, Coonalpyn Downs and Peake district councils, the Coorong District Council has a population of some 6000 residents and is spread over 8836 sq.km, with 8 councillors representing the interests of the residents.
Our vision, mission and values statements are what broadly guides the Coorong District Council to meeting the objectives, targets and outcomes of the Community Vision Plan 2021-2025.
Being an employer of choice that attracts, develops and inspires highly talented and motivated volunteers.
The activities of our volunteer programs contribute positively to the delivery of our Community Vision Plan 2021-25 outcomes via;
- Participating in Section 41 committees, that help facilitate the care and use of halls and other assets such as the Coonalpyn pool.
- Other volunteer programs assist council with aspects of park and garden maintenance within townships and providing information and tourist support.
When you volunteer at the Coorong District Council, you’ll be given the opportunity to share passions, abilities and skills in meaningful ways that strengthen the community.
Activities of Coorong District Council’s volunteer program:
- Create a sense of belonging,
- Enable creative expression,
- Promote social inclusion,
- Challenge inequity,
- Encourage sustainable practices,
- Promote wellbeing in city communities.
Volunteers wanted - Tailem Info Station
Are you interested in history, heritage & tourism? Do you enjoy meeting new people?
The State Heritage Listed Tailem Bend Railway Station is an iconic building that played an important part in the early years of the South Australian Railways and the establishment of Tailem Bend.
Centrally located in the heart of Tailem Bend the Railway Station operates as a Visitor Information Outlet and rail museum five days a week.
Since the opening of the Shell V-Power (The Bend) Motorsport Park the region has seen an increase in visitors. The Tailem Info Station is looking for Volunteers to assist with a range of tasks and duties that will profile Tailem Bend and neighbouring towns making the region a more friendly and desirable destination for our visitors.
Enjoy the benefits of working with like-minded people, gaining new skills and knowledge, giving back to the community and gaining a sense of belonging!
Date: Tuesday, 5 March 2024
Time: 10:30am
RSVP
Volunteer Management Officer Patsy Crabb by Friday, 1 March on
1300 785 277 or email pcrabb@coorong.sa.gov.au
Coorong District Council Volunteer Programs
- Tourism and Events Tourism and Events
- Environment & Town Beautification Environment & Town Beautification
- Council Facilities Council Facilities
- Other Other
Tailem Info Station & Rail Museum
The Tailem info Station and Rail Museum is located in the heritage railway station on Railway Tce in Tailem Bend.
Run by passionate volunteers who are happy to provide visitors and tourists with tourism information on local and regional attractions, accommodation, and thins to see and do in the region. Visitors can also view the railway museum which showcases many well-loved historical relics from the town's historic railway past.
The Station offers hand-crafted souvenirs, merchandise, and a small selection of local produce.
The Tailem Info Station aims to be open daily from 10am to 3pm.
You can follow the Tailem Info Station on Facebook.
Meningie Information Hub
The Meningie Information Hub provides a warm welcome for visitors and tourists seeking information on local and regional attractions, accommodation, and things to see and do in Meningie and the Coorong region.
Volunteers meet and greet visitors to the region on weekends and public holidays between the hours of 10am and 3pm.
Current volunteer programs focused around the environment or town beautification include:
- Pangarinda Botanic Garden
- Noonameena Community Garden
- Tailem Bend Cemetery
- Meningie Cemetery
- Declared Plant Crew
- John White Wetlands
- Meningie Town Beautification
- Tailem Bend Beautification Crew
Coonalpyn Pool
The Coonalpyn Swimming Pool is the place to cool down this Summer. With plenty of lush green lawns surrounding both the pool and paddling pool there is plenty of space to claim for your afternoon at the pool, grab some snacks from the canteen and cool off.
Volunteers at the Coonalpyn pool help keep the pool running successfully, as well as man the canteen and run events throughout the summer swimming season.
Other Council Facilities
Volunteers can also participate in Section 41 committees and volunteer programs that help facilitate the care and use of halls and other assets, including:
- Coonalpyn Hall
- Moorlands Hall
- Tailem Bend Town Hall
- Tintinara Hall
- Meningie & Wadmore Site Working Group
- Meningie Aerodrome
Work Experience
Events
Volunteer now
Register now by following the first two steps in the process below. Once lodged, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their application.
If your application is approved, you will go through a short induction process, then meet with your assigned volunteer supervisor for an on-site induction to the area that you will volunteer.
Process | Actions |
1. Volunteer CandidateMakes Enquiry | Call Patsy Crabb, Volunteer Management Officer on 1300 785 277 |
2. Volunteer Candidate CompletesApplication form | Volunteer fills out the Volunteer Regisration Form and returns to Council. Volunteer Management Coordinator to assess and books interview with volunteer candidate. Application is assessed. Volunteer Management Coordinator to inform candidate if successful and what the next steps will be. |
3. Volunteer on boarding | Relevant role statement provided to volunteer. Training needs are assessed per the relevant role statement. Police Checks and or Working with Children checks are undertaken if required. |
4. Induction | Volunteer undertakes corporate induction Site induction is undertaken |
Council would encourage those with an interest and passion to contribute in a fulfilling and positive way to their community to apply to become a volunteer. Council recognises and acknowledges the valuable contributions to the community that our volunteers make.
FAQs
Are there any age restrictions?
The majority of volunteer roles are designed for people who are 18 years and older however there are family volunteering opportunities for younger people to volunteer with their parent or guardian. The Volunteer Coordinator can provide more information about this.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the role you are successful in gaining. Every volunteer will go through an induction process which in some cases can be completed in under two hours. All roles will require a police check which may take a few weeks to complete. Some roles will require specific training to be undertaken before you can start.
What is the required time commitment?
The hours vary depending on what area of volunteering you choose. Many roles will require you to commit a minimum of three hours per week for six months. In most cases you will decide how many hours you are willing to commit. There is no maximum amount specified. The hours are determined by the nature of the volunteer role and the amount of work to be done.
What if I am unable to commit long term?
Due to the time spent placing and training volunteers and the nature of most voluntary roles, it is preferred that volunteers commit to at least six months. This can be negotiated with the Volunteer Supervisor.
Can I get a reference?
Yes, we are happy to provide a reference. However, you need to have regularly volunteered with the Council for a minimum period of three month
Is there a chance that I might gain paid work in the organisation if I volunteer first?
You are invited to submit job applications for external vacancies, and will be given the same consideration as the general public. All external vacancies appear on the Coorong District Council's website
Will I incur any out of pocket expenses?
Coorong District Council will reimburse any out of pocket expenses which are incurred whilst performing volunteer duties as pre-approved by the Volunteer Supervisor.
Do you accept student placements/work experience?
Student/work experience placements are not considered voluntary work. For more information please contact the Coorong District Council
Do I have to have a police check?
Yes, as part of Council's recruitment process we ask all volunteers to undertake a National Criminal History Clearance. There is no cost to volunteers for this, and the clearance will need to be renewed every three years.
Do I need a working with children check?
Yes some of our volunteers will require a working with children check. A Working with Children check can be obtained free for volunteers that require one.
For more information please see - https://screening.sa.gov.au/types-of-check/new-working-with-children-checks
Am I covered by insurance whilst volunteering?
Yes, Coorong District Council volunteers are protected whilst undertaking volunteer duties as detailed in the relevant role statement and directed by the Council or your volunteer program contact person. Council provides personal accident insurance, as well as public liability insurance for all appropriately registered volunteers.
For a copy of the registration form and full list of available programs please select the following link
Volunteer Registration Form(343 kb)
For a copy of the volunteer handbook please secect the following link
Get in Contact
If you wish to register to become a volunteer of Council click here to fill out the registration form.
Contact Council's Volunteer Management Officer:
1300 785 277
Council@coorong.sa.gov.au