Volunteering with Palliative Care ACT is a deeply rewarding way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with a terminal illness. By giving your time, presence, and compassion, you offer comfort, dignity, and human connection when it matters most. Many of our volunteers say the experience brings a profound sense of purpose, personal growth, and gratitude for life.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supported every step of the way and become part of a caring, values-driven community. You’ll gain valuable skills in communication, empathy, and emotional awareness, while knowing that your contribution truly matters to clients, families, and carers.
What you’ll gain from volunteering
- A strong sense of fulfilment from supporting people at the end of life
- Meaningful and rewarding one-on-one connections with clients in their homes, aged care facilities, palliative care facilities or through life story writing
- Ongoing training, education, and support from experienced coordinators and fellow volunteers
- Opportunities for personal reflection, growth, and increased emotional resilience
- The chance to be part of a compassionate, respectful, and supportive team
What we ask of our volunteers
We look for people who bring warmth, empathy, patience, emotional maturity, and a sense of humour, and who are willing to listen, respect confidentiality, and work as part of a team. A commitment of at least four hours per week for 12 months helps ensure continuity and meaningful relationships for our clients.
All volunteers require a current Working with Vulnerable People registration and a primary COVID vaccination or approved medical exemption.
How to get involved
Getting started is simple:
- Complete a quick application form here
- Attend a pre-training interview
- Take part in our volunteer training course
- Begin volunteering with supported “buddy shifts” alongside experienced volunteers
If you’re looking for a way to give back that is truly impactful, volunteering with Palliative Care ACT offers the chance to make a lasting difference for others, and for yourself.
“It’s the tangibles and the relationships you establish, and the connections you make to people, that is the really rewarding thing” – Sarah, volunteer.
