Community volunteer programs
- Details
- Written by: Teela Griffin Penrith City Council (02) 4732 7777 (02) 4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 601 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
Volunteer in Penrith - Make a Difference in Your Community
Whether you’ve got a few hours a week or just a little time now and then, Penrith has a place for you. Volunteering is a powerful way to:
- Support people in need
- Strengthen our local economy
- Boost your own wellbeing
It feels good to give back! Studies show that volunteering increases happiness, reduces stress, and creates a strong sense of purpose.
Explore Local Volunteer Opportunities
We’ve compiled a list of amazing local organisations that are looking for people just like you – passionate, caring, and ready to help.
Active Care Network
1300 646 444
Active Care Network provide transport for the aged and run community programs. They have a variety of interesting roles including:
- Driver
- Client Support Assistant
- Clerical/Admin Assistant
- Booking Officers
Register your interest here
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme - Catholic Care
0466 518 516 (Jen Bohman – Wednesdays & Thursdays)
Kind-hearted people to visit the lonely and isolated in aged care homes in the Penrith area.
Cancer Council
13 11 20
Help out across a variety of roles supporting cancer research, patient care, and awareness.
Learn more about volunteering
Cancer Wellness Support
4721 1317
Support locals living with and beyond cancer through subsidised wellness therapies.
Register your interest here
Conservation Volunteers Australia
1800 032 501
Conservation Volunteers Australia makes it easy for people to care for nature by getting involved in conservation action across the country.
See opportunities here
Foodbank NSW ACT
02 9756 3099
Foodbank volunteers generously give their time to help get food to the people who need it.
Find out how to help
Food Solutions (by Christ Mission Possible)
(02) 4704 8809
Food Solutions is a large Penrith-based food insecurity charity that feeds over 20,000 people every week through its warehouse door free-food hamper program, free street-eats hot breakfasts, brown-paper bag free school-lunch program, and mobile free-food pop-up shops. A large variety of volunteering options are available across all Food Solutions programs where participants can directly serve the community.
Find out how you can help
Hospitality Cart – Nepean Hospital
Offering companionship and social support, this is a perfect opportunity for Centrelink Volunteers, Skilled Volunteers, and Young Adults 18-24. Volunteers will stock the cart, deliver goodies, connect with sick children and their families and generally bring happiness to everyone they serve.
Register your interest
Legacy Nepean
4777 9500
Legacy is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. There are many ways you can become involved as a volunteer.
Get Involved with Legacy
My Health Connector – Volunteer Opportunities
See opportunities here
Register on this site and select all available opportunities across many sectors that take your interest.
Examples: LGBTQI+, Seniors visitors scheme, Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and more.
Nepean Food Services
4733 7200
Nepean Food Services provides nutritious home delivered meals and social support to older people and people living with disability. Volunteers are involved in delivering meals, assisting in administration, or providing social support.
Click here to get involved or call the number above.
NSW Rural Fire Service
There are many reasons to join the NSW RFS. You may want to protect your families, your friends, your home and assets, your community, and your way of life. The NSW RFS provides training and education opportunities to all members free of charge, giving you the knowledge and skills to work safely.
Click here for more information : Volunteer - NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities in Penrith NSW 2750
Register on this site and select all available opportunities across many sectors that take your interest.
Examples: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Community Services, Disability, Seniors & Aged and many more
Penrith Community Kitchen
4721 1444 (Contact Cathy, 9:30am–1:30pm)
Penrith Community Kitchen’s mission is to provide a warm, comfortable, friendly, relaxed environment where those that are in need can enjoy a free nourishing meal and the lonely can enjoy the company of others. Our volunteers help with kitchen duties; it is a place to connect with other likeminded community members.
Penrith Community Men’s Shed
0439 646 942
Penrith Community Men’s Shed provide a safe location where men of all ages can meet, do a project, learn a new skill or have a chat. Being part of the Men’s Shed can also bring the chance to volunteer at community events.
Penrith City Council Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteer - Penrith City Council
There are three great ways to volunteer with Penrith City Council.
Bushcare - Council has a number of Bushcare events and activities to help protect fragile bushland, preserve natural flora and fauna, and remove weeds that can harm our environment. No prior knowledge is needed, and all training and equipment are provided.
Register your interest
Find out how to help
Children’s Services – 4732 7851
Council operates a number of childcare centres including long day care, preschool, occasional care, before and after school care and vacation care. There are opportunities for people to volunteer in the childcare centres in a number of ways, for example, reading, doing art and craft, assisting the children in gardening. For more information, contact Cassandra Pignataro on the number above or email
Community access bus drivers– 4732 8604
Council operates 2 community access buses for use by non-profit community organisations, transporting people living in Penrith City. These are a 21 seater automatic Toyota Coaster (seats 20 passengers plus driver) and a wheelchair accessible manual Toyota Coaster (seats 14 plus 2 wheelchair passengers and the driver).
For more details call Catherine Eslick, Community Bus Coordinator, on the number above.
Penrith Lions Club
Penrith Lions Club members raise money and/or assist community members in need. They help local families in distress, take senior citizens on outings and to concerts and provide opportunities for young people to better themselves. To find out more visit https://penrith.nsw.lions.org.au/ or click here to register your interest.
Penrith Valley Sports Foundation
Penrith Valley Sports Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to support and promote athletes and other sporting endeavours. Find out more here.
State Emergency Service (SES)
Engage in meaningful volunteer work by helping your community to prepare and respond to weather events. There are lots of roles that you can do depending on what you like and what you want to learn. Whether providing on-the-ground support, assisting in operational support roles or raising community awareness through education programs, there are many ways to be part of NSW SES.
Register your interest
St Clair & District Men’s Shed
St Clair and District Men's Shed provides a place for men of all cultures to share their skills, learn new skills, make new friends, swap yarns or just socialise over a cuppa. Being part of the Men’s Shed can also bring the chance to volunteer at community events.
Get in touch
St John Ambulance Penrith
1300 360 455
St John Ambulance volunteers provide a range of important community services across the country. They deliver event health and community services, raise funds, attend events and run the St John youth programs.
Find out more here
Sailability Penrith Lakes
0408 208 747
Sailability is dedicated to giving everyone, regardless of age or ability the opportunity to sail. Sailability Penrith Lakes is always looking for new volunteers! If you are available one or two days a week contact Jack on the number above.
Learn how to get involved
SydWest Multicultural Services
9621 6633
Passionate about giving back to your community? Volunteering with SydWest is a rewarding way to use your skills, build new ones, expand your network, and boost your resume, all while supporting a mission that matters.
Every role comes with a clear description, helping you find the right fit for your goals. Supervisors may even provide references for job applications, and while volunteering is unpaid, it’s a great step toward future opportunities including paid roles at SydWest when available. Join us and make a real impact!
Click here for further information
Vinnies NSW Retail – Penrith & Kingswood
Become a Vinnies shop volunteer to provide an exceptional shopping experience for our customers. Gain retail experience and share your skills and talents. Volunteering is a great way to interact with like-minded people and build friendships. As a Retail Volunteer, you will play a central role in the operations of the shop, making a significant and valuable contribution to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. For more information click here or ask in store.
Ready to Get Started?
Volunteering is not just about giving, it’s about growing, connecting, and being part of something bigger. No matter your interests or availability, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you in Penrith.
Nb: If you would like your organisation to be added to this page, please contact