Give a little time. Make a world of difference.
Aged care volunteering is about more than lending a hand. It's about meaningful friendships, shared laughter, and the warm feeling of knowing you've brightened someone's day.
Whether you have an hour once a fortnight or a couple of days a week, there's a place for you here.
Why volunteer with Suncare?
Our volunteers drive people to appointments, assist in creating and delivering nutritious meals, connect socially for activities, and spend time with people who might otherwise feel alone.
Our volunteers tell us they get just as much from the experience as they give. They make new friends, stay active, and feel part of something meaningful.
When you join the Suncare team, you'll:
- Be the highlight of someone's week
- Meet wonderful people: our customers and fellow volunteers.
- Choose hours that work for you. Where possible, we schedule shifts around your availability, not the other way around.
- Learn new skills or share the ones you already have
- Feel supported every step of the way, from our dedicated volunteer team, through onboarding, training and regular catch ups.
- Be celebrated - at events and gatherings with other volunteers
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Find your fit
Whether you love driving, enjoy being in the kitchen, or simply want to share a conversation, we'll match you with a role that suits your interests and availability.
Community Transport
Help people get to medical appointments, shopping trips, or social outings using a Suncare fleet vehicle. For many customers, this is how they stay independent and get out and about within community
Time commitment: Flexible. Half day to full day shifts Monday to Friday.
What you'll need: A valid driver's licence and a friendly attitude.
Meals on Wheels
Kitchen volunteers work alongside our team from 7 am. To make sure Delivery volunteers have time to say hello and have a quick chat with our customers, they head out from 7.45 am.
Time commitment: Kitchen volunteers start at 7 am and finish by 11 am. Delivery runs start at 7.45 am for no more than two hours. The volunteers share in morning tea prepared by the kitchen team from 9 am.
What you'll need: A positive attitude and reliability. No experience necessary - we'll show you everything.
Social Connections
Bring energy and fun to group activities, outings, and events. That could mean helping set up for a morning tea, accompanying a group on a bus trip, or just chatting with people at an event.
Time commitment: Varies depending on the activity. Could be a few hours for a morning tea or a full day for a bus outing.
What you'll need: Enthusiasm, patience, and a love of bringing people together.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
As a volunteer visitor, you'll drop in regularly to see the same person (at least once a fortnight) so you get to know each other. What you do together is up to you both - it could be playing a game of cards, a chat, the occasional outing or reminiscing through old photos
Time commitment: Around one hour per fortnight, at a time that works for both of you
What you'll need: Patience, warmth, and a willingness to build a real connection. Training and support provided.
Note: This program is funded by the Australian Government.
Ready to get started?
Becoming a Suncare volunteer is simple. We'll guide you through every step, and you'll never feel like you're doing it alone.
Step 1: Get in touch
Complete our Expression of Interest form or give us a call. Tell us about yourself and what interests you.
Step 2: Have a chat
We’ll have a friendly conversation to learn more about you. Together, we’ll find a role that suits your skills and availability.
Step 3: Complete your paperwork
We’ll guide you through the required paperwork. This includes a National Police Check, which we cover.
Step 4: Engage in Learning
You’ll receive a warm welcome and structured onboarding. We’ll introduce you to your role and the Suncare way.
Step 5: Start making a difference
Your first shift is supported by our volunteer team. Ongoing check-ins and events keep you connected.
Find volunteer opportunities near you
Community Transport
Like driving? You'll love helping customers get out and about.
Available:
Sunshine Coast
Meals on Wheels
Is Meals on Wheels calling you? Assist in cooking, packing, pack or delivering.
Available:
Sunshine Coast
Social Connections
It's all about social interaction.
Available:
North Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
Connecting people for meaningful one-on-one visits within a person's home or within Residential Aged Care.
Available:
North Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Fitzroy and everywhere in between
Got questions? We've got answers.
Here are the answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If there's something we haven't covered, get in touch with our volunteer team.
What volunteer roles are available?
We have four main programs:
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Community Transport (driving customers to appointments and outings)
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Meals on Wheels (kitchen and delivery roles)
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Social Connections (helping with group activities and events)
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Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (one-on-one visits with people who might be feeling lonely).
Can I do more than one role?
Absolutely! Many of our volunteers take on more than one role at Suncare. It's a great way to keep things interesting, gain different experiences, and make an even bigger impact in the community.
What skills do I need to volunteer?
- Empathy and Compassion – Genuine care for others
- Patience and Understanding - Kindness goes a long way
- Reliability and a Positive Attitude – Showing up when you say you will with a smile
- Respect and Discretion – Maintaining confidentiality
What is the process to onboard as a volunteer?
It's straightforward: get in touch (online or by phone), have a chat with our team, complete your paperwork and Police Check, engage in learning and you're ready to start. We'll support you every step of the way.
What happens after onboarding?
- First Shift or Visit - Supported by the volunteer team
- Regular Check-ins, News Updates and Support
- Recognition and Connection
- Feedback and Growth
- A Warm and rewarding feeling!
How will I be supported in my volunteer role?
You'll have a dedicated Volunteer Team Leader to support you, comprehensive learning and role-specific training and access to our Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support. You're never on your own.
How much time do I need to commit?
That's completely up to you. Even an hour can make a real difference to someone's life.
Will I be out of pocket?
We cover the cost of your National Police Check. You shouldn't be out of pocket to volunteer with us.
Will I meet other volunteers?
Yes! We hold regular events and gatherings to celebrate our volunteers and give you a chance to connect with like-minded people. It's a great way to make new friends.
What if I'm not sure which role is right for me?
No worries at all. Have a chat with our team, and we'll help you find something that suits your interests, skills, and availability. You can also try one role and switch to another if you'd like.
Ready to make a difference?
We'd love to hear from you. Fill in our Expression of Interest form or get in touch with our volunteer team.