Being an AAC volunteer is personally rewarding, great fun and a chance to meet lots of interesting people. Our volunteers are given specialised training, placement and support.
Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring a multitude of skills to the AAC.
How will I be contributing as a volunteer?
The AIDS Action Council is involved in a number of special activities throughout the year and plays a primary role in events like:
- World AIDS Day; and
- the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
These important community activities help raise and maintain awareness of HIV/AIDS. They are also important ways of raising the funds needed to support people with HIV/AIDS who are living in hardship.
Westlund House volunteer and community meetings are open to all and are a great place to meet people and find out more about the AIDS Action Council and other groups that are based in Westlund House. As well as a special in-depth presentation or discussion about a selected topic, we cover upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
There are many other varied opportunities for volunteer involvement in the work of all of the units of the AAC. Training and ongoing development is provided with all positions. Current volunteer opportunities include:
Netreach volunteer
The role of volunteer outreachers is to promote healthy behaviours to men who use the Internet to communicate with other men. It is also the role of outreachers to provide links to trusted online sexual health resources and to make referrals to appropriate health care services.
- Login to the NetReach profile and maintain a passive presence in Gaydar chat rooms
- Respond to private messages/chats initiated by site members, using the information and referrals provided by the AIDS Action Council
Peer Workshop Facilitator
- Help empower the communities of the AIDS Action Council through facilitating our popular workshops.
- Facilitate discussions on sexuality, relationships, sex and community.
- Develop your skills in facilitating small groups and creating an environment that builds on the wealth of experience and knowledge that exists in any group.
- Positions available for men and women in a range of upcoming workshops.
View full position description.
Register your interest with Chai on 02 6257 2855 or surachai.jaiyai@aidsaction.org.au
PACT Clinic Facilitator
- Facilitate sexual health clinics through the ACT’s innovative and unique Partnership Approach to Comprehensive Testing program, including projects such as STRIP and T-SHIRT.
- Assist our sexual health nurses in the running of the clinics and in maintaining a professional and confidential environment.
- Manage appointment schedules and provide information to interested participants.
- Develop an in depth understanding of sexual health and testing programs.
View full position description.
Register your interest with Keiran Rossteuscher on 02 6257 2855 or keiran@aidsaction.org.au.
Community Outreach
- Help the AIDS Action Council by being our friendly public face at stalls and community events as part of a team of volunteers.
- Develop skills in interacting with the public and taking opportunities to inform the community about the AIDS Action Council and our work.
- Control your volunteer commitment, and put your hand up for events that suit you.
View full position description.
Register your interest with Nada on 02 6257 2855 or nada.ratcliffe@aidsaction.org.au
Client Support Transport & Companionship
Provide clients of the AIDS Action Council and PLWHA ACT with high quality practical and emotional support and assistance to attend medical and other appointments related to living with HIV/AIDS. This does require an ongoing commitment and times can be mutually agreed. A driving licence is required and transport costs will be reimbursed.
View full position description.
Register your interest with Nada Ratcliffe on 02 6257 2855 or nada.ratcliffe@aidsaction.org.au
Gardening assistance
Provide gardening assistance for frail older couple who are clients of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT.
View full position description.
Register your interest with Nada Ratcliffe on 02 6257 2855 or nada.ratcliffe@aidsaction.org.au
Administration and Archive work
- Filing
- Archive maintenance
- Office cleaning and dusting
- Garden maintenance
- "Spring" cleans
Any hours you can offer between 9-5 would assist us! You don't have to commit to entire days; just a couple of regular hours would be of immense assistance.
Register your interest with Andrew McLeod on 02 6257 2855 or andrew.mcleod@aidsaction.org.au
Becoming a volunteer
If you support the vision and the mission of the Council and have a desire to work as a volunteer, you will be accepted and welcomed. There are no rules about the amount of time you would be expected to devote to volunteering with the Council.
Volunteers must become financial members of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT to be covered by the Council's public liability and personal accident insurance policies. A special reduced membership rate is offered to volunteers.
Membership also entitles you to receive our monthly newsletter, to vote at Annual General Meetings and to elect Board members, and to receive member discounts (for safer sex products, for example). Most importantly, it is only through a significant membership base that we can continue to represent HIV/AIDS issues, on behalf of the community, to governments and other key stakeholders.
For more information on how to become a volunteer, or for more information on the services we provide, please contact the AIDS Action Council.
Volunteering at other AIDS councils
If you don't live in Canberra or the ACT and would like to volunteer for an AIDS council, you might be able to volunteer for another AIDS council: