Volunteering in this role is all about connection. We’re looking for warm, friendly people who enjoy chatting, listening, and helping others feel welcome.

This is a casual and social volunteer opportunity, but it also calls for empathy, compassion, and a genuine interest in supporting people.

Through conversation and connection, volunteers play an important role in helping reduce social isolation and the stigma often associated with a dementia diagnosis.

To create meaningful relationships and a sense of familiarity for participants, we ask volunteers to make a longer-term commitment. By volunteering regularly, you’ll help create a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment where people can build friendships, connect with others, and benefit from the support and services available.

Volunteers with a personal or professional connection to dementia or aged care are highly regarded, although this is not essential.

No hospitality or barista experience is needed; this isn’t a café in the traditional sense. It’s all about the conversations and connections. If you can make a cup of tea or coffee, that’s a bonus!

Volunteers may also assist with creating an inviting atmosphere by helping with set-up and pack-down, including light movement of furniture and activity items.

About Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia is the national peak body supporting people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, along with their families and carers. We provide advocacy, support services, education, and information.

About Memory Lane Cafés

Memory Lane Cafés are welcoming social support gatherings that provide a relaxed, semi-supported, dementia-friendly space where people can come together, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.

Dementia Australia established its first Memory Lane Café more than ten years ago, and since then the cafés have grown across the country. Over time, they’ve become places where friendships strengthen, new connections are formed, and people return regularly to enjoy a safe and supportive environment.

While each Memory Lane Café shares a common purpose, every location is tailored to the needs of its participants and local community. Some cafés include refreshments and entertainment, while others focus on offering a calm and welcoming place to share a cuppa and connect. Depending on the day, there may be dancing, singalongs, guest speakers, or simply relaxed conversation.

Sessions generally run for 90 minutes to two hours. Dementia Australia staff and volunteers are available to support participants, who are also welcome to attend with a support person, such as a spouse, child, friend, or carer.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A warm, welcoming nature and a genuine interest in connecting with others
• Great conversation and listening skills
• Empathy, compassion, and patience
• A willingness to help with practical tasks such as set-up, guest registration, and making tea or coffee
• Experience supporting someone living with dementia (desirable but not essential)

Volunteers will be required to:

• Participate in an interview
• Complete reference and police checks (at Dementia Australia’s cost)
• Attend induction and orientation sessions - online
• Complete online learning modules
• Participate in ongoing training and learning opportunities
• Commit to regular volunteering to help build meaningful relationships with participants

What’s provided:

• Morning tea
• Free car parking
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference through connection and conversation

This role is less about serving coffee and more about creating moments of connection that help people feel seen, valued, and included.