Volunteering

It is not difficult to become a volunteer in Australia. According to my experience, volunteer vacation is available in certain media, like Newspaper, Internet and TV, and yet Volunteer Resource Centre 9VRC) is available in some metropolitan and big cities around Australia. Thus, someone can read those media or come to the VRC office for volunteer opportunity enquiries. So that they can join the organization easily.

Last year I joined two different organization. First is a local NGO that serve migrants and refugee to settle in Bendigo. I volunteered as tutor for Burmese refugee children. I thaught them English and how to use computer and internet. Recently I also teach them mathematic. Second is Bendigo Hospital. I was serving as fundraiser that sell some newspaper, candy, towels etc. to the patients and visitors. I went around hospotal from first floor to the fourth floor. It was tired, but worthed. Unfortunately, I have quit since the time is unsuit my schedule.

Now I am joining Conservation Volunteer Australia. This organization offer quite range of activities but within flexible time. I choose once a week to take part as volunteer in a bush reserve area in Bendigo. I will start it tomorrow, and can't wait for it.

Interestingly, to become a volunteer here we must pass "Police Check". When I applied I have to wait for two weeks until get letter confirmation from Police. The organization also offer some training and induction program which is useful for beginner volunteer. However, most of the volunteer are pensioners and seniors, whereas their age is over 50 years old. It is quiet surprising for me if I compare to my country most of the volunteer are in their 20s or 30s. I realized that most of volunteer here not working, therefore they just join for fun and social activities. Differently, in Indonesia volunteer is a one step to get achievement of working experience, add CV qualification and expand networking. (Based on my experience)

Can't wait to back to Indonesia and serve as volunteer again.