School Holiday Volunteer Program

The School Holiday Volunteer Program began in 2019 to support young people seeking volunteering experience in a healthcare environment.

The program runs during end-of-term school breaks throughout the year, excluding the Christmas holiday period.

Students take part in three consecutive days of volunteering, including an orientation session. During this time, they are paired with experienced volunteers and are expected to mirror the role, tasks, and level of care provided by our volunteers as they rotate through a variety of departments (subject to availability). This includes both clinical and non-clinical settings, offering a broad view of healthcare and potential career pathways.

Clinical areas may include the Emergency Department, Discharge Lounge, inpatient wards, clinics, Palliative Care, and Residential Aged Care.
Non-clinical areas may include Volunteer Services, People and Culture, Health Information Services, and the Education Department.
Students may also have the opportunity to assist with Foundation and Fundraising events, if scheduled during their placement.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of participation outlining the number of volunteer hours completed.

Participation is limited to two School Holiday Programs per student (a total of six days), to ensure the opportunity is accessible to as many students as possible.
This timeframe also allows students applying for the La Trobe University Aspire Program to exceed the 24-hour volunteering requirement.

Due to limited places available in each program, early application is strongly recommended. Applications will be accepted on a first-in basis, regardless of the advertised cut-off date.

For more information about the School Holiday Volunteer Program, please contact the Volunteer Services team on 5454 7639 or email  [email protected]

To apply, please complete and return the form below.
Volunteer application form

Dates

Term 1
2026 program and application dates to be confirmed

Term 2
Applications must be submitted to volunteer services no later than Sunday 29 June 2025 with program commencement on the following dates:

Monday 7 July 2025 – Wednesday 9 July 2025 - *FULLY BOOKED
Monday 14 July 2025 – Wednesday 16 July 2025 - * FULLY BOOKED

Term 3
Applications must be submitted to volunteer services no later than Sunday 14 September 2025 with program commencement on the following dates:
Monday 22 September 2025 – Wednesday 24 September 2025
Monday 29 September 2025 – Wednesday 1 October 2025

*Submitting applications for term programs in advance is recommended so as not to miss out. Application and preference documents are linked above.