Frequently Asked Questions
National Office VolunteeringDo I need to be an engineer to volunteer with EWB Australia?
Where will I be volunteering?
With our staff team at our national office. We’re located at 552 Victoria St, North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Summer volunteering roles are located in our national office. Project volunteering roles, which become available throughout the year, are either based from our national office or can be done remotely (great for interstate-based volunteers).
What are the transport options to get to national office?
Via Public Transport: Footscray Train Station is 10-15 mins walk from the office. There is also a bus line available.
Via bike: there a great bike path from the Melbourne CBD to the front of our building.
Via Car: There is metered parking on the streets surrounding the national office.
Is volunteering work paid?
Volunteers voluntarily contribute their time, skills and passion and are not paid (Fair Work Act 2009).
Am I required to volunteer on specific days or for specific hours?
Your volunteer contribution is determined by you, in consultation with EWB staff members you’ll be working with. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. You would volunteer within these times. For summer volunteering we request volunteers maintain a minimum of three days a week to get the most out of the experience.
Will I be supervised?
Yes you’ll work alongside members of our staff team on different programs and projects and be supervised by a staff member. We work collaboratively and inputs from staff and volunteers are valued.
What sort of volunteering work will I be doing?
This is office and desk-based work requiring the use of computers.
Is it desirable to have some prior EWB engagement?
It shows us that you’ve already connected to EWB’s mission and values and have started to understand how EWB works. It also shows us you’re interested in and passionate about applying humanitarian engineering to create positive social change and support community development. Our Summer volunteering places are in demand and highly-valued and a great opportunity for EWB to show our appreciation for our active regional volunteers and build their capacity. The best way to start with EWB is to Join a Local Chapter (add link).
What if I don't have all the skills listed on the registration form?
The skills listed are a guide only to match some of the project requirements highlighted by staff members. We appreciate that each volunteer brings their own skills and experience and finds unique ways to share these. Chat to us about your skills and capabilities and we can work together to best match your interests with the projects that our volunteers support.
Does EWB offer vocational placements for students?
Student volunteers can count their volunteer contribution towards course requirements where appropriate. It is up to you to determine if volunteering at EWB fulfills your course requirements.
Will I get to travel or go overseas as a volunteer?
Volunteering with our national office is desk-based. It’s unlikely that you’d need to travel as part of your volunteer role here. If that’s of interest to you, you might like to find out more about our Humanitarian Design Summits, our international community development program and opportunities for international Field Professional placements.
Is financial assistance available?
We understand that distance and finance can be a barrier to volunteering. EWB Australia does not have financial assistance available however in the past, volunteers have sought out external scholarships, grants and support.