About the Service

At Swansea, we work alongside individuals experiencing crisis to help build confidence, develop practical life skills, and support greater independence and wellbeing.

Our outdoor spaces play an important role in creating a welcoming and therapeutic environment. We are looking for a volunteer who enjoys gardening and would like to help maintain and enhance these spaces, with the exciting opportunity to contribute to the future development of a community vegetable garden.

Role Overview

As a Gardening Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the gardens and outdoor areas of our service, creating an attractive, safe, and welcoming environment for participants, visitors, and staff.

Working alongside staff, you will assist with general garden maintenance while supporting participants who may wish to get involved and learn practical gardening skills. Over time, there may be opportunities to help establish a community vegetable garden that encourages healthy living, sustainability, and community connection.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, this is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact while sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with general garden maintenance, including weeding, pruning, watering, and planting
• Help maintain clean, tidy, and safe outdoor spaces
• Encourage participants to engage in gardening activities where appropriate
• Share basic gardening knowledge and promote sustainable gardening practices
• Assist with the future planning and development of a community vegetable garden
• Work collaboratively with staff and other volunteers

To be successful in this role you will need

• An interest in gardening and maintaining outdoor spaces
• Basic gardening knowledge and practical skills
• A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
• A non-judgemental attitude and genuine desire to support others
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Reliability and commitment to attending scheduled volunteer sessions
• Adherence to St Vincent de Paul NSW policies, procedures, and Work Health and Safety requirements

What you can gain from this role

• The opportunity to make a visible and lasting contribution to the service environment
• Experience supporting people experiencing crisis and disadvantage
• The satisfaction of helping create spaces that promote wellbeing and connection
• Opportunity to share your gardening knowledge while learning alongside others
• Experience contributing to the development of a future community vegetable garden
• Build meaningful relationships while giving back to your local community

Requirements

• Participation in a volunteer interview
• A National Police Check (provided at no cost by Vinnies)
• A valid Working with Children Check
• Agreement to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Volunteer Charter
• Completion of any required volunteer induction and training

If you are interested in becoming a valued Vinnies volunteer, please click the APPLY button below.

Why join Vinnies as a volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to interact with like-minded people and build friendships. Your contribution as a volunteer will bring you a feeling of satisfaction knowing you are working for an organisation that makes a difference for those in need. It will provide an opportunity for those who would like to gain office and administration training and experience and an avenue for you to share your expertise and talents.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies) assists people experiencing poverty and inequality and works to shape a more just and compassionate society. We assist in offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation. Vinnies has developed a clear, accountable and transparent Policy and Procedures to ensure that it complies with relevant legislation and that all children and young people who come into contact with the Society are kept safe and are supported to the best of our capacity.

St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) is an Equal Opportunity host and is committed to engaging a diverse workforce. The Society strongly encourages applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and mature aged applicants.