Volunteer to make a real difference
At Southern Cross Care, volunteering isn’t just about donating time. It’s about sharing kindness, making real connections, and building a community where people of all ages and walks of life feel seen, valued, and supported.
Better for life, one volunteer at a time
Southern Cross Care is proud to have more than 350 compassionate volunteers helping older people to be Better for life. Our volunteers work across our vibrant aged care homes in SA and the NT through activities, bustling cafés, gyms and one-on-one social support, as well as working with clients in some of our community programs.
Whether you're hoping to give back, gain hands-on experience, meet new people or do something meaningful with your time, there’s a place for you.
What do volunteers do?
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our organisation. They make a difference through:
- Offering friendly conversation, pastoral care, cultural connection and companionship
- Supporting healthy ageing programs such as Fitball Drumming or music therapy
- Helping residents to attend and engage in hobbies and activities
- Driving our Care Cars and buggies
- Serving up coffees and smiles in our onsite cafés
No matter your background or availability, every hour you give makes a real difference in someone’s day.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering isn’t just about giving. It’s also about what you gain:
- Genuine connection with older people and fellow volunteers
- Personal growth and confidence
- Valuable skills and experience, especially if you're considering a career in aged care or health
- A strong sense of purpose and belonging
We’ll work with you to find the right fit based on your interests, skills and schedule. Whether you have a few hours a week or just a couple each month, we’ll help you find a role where you can thrive.
Explore our diverse volunteer pathways
We offer a wide variety of volunteer roles to suit your lifestyle and passions.
Ready to make a difference?
Explore our current volunteer roles
How to get involved
We've made the application process simple and straightforward.
Here are the three easy steps to becoming a Southern Cross Care volunteer:
Step 1
Apply online
It takes approximately 5 minutes to complete our online application form. Tell us about yourself and your interests!
Step 2
Speak with our team
Once we receive your application, a member of our friendly volunteer team will contact you to discuss your application in more detail and guide you through the registration process. This includes important background checks, and don't worry – we cover the cost of these checks for successful applicants.
Step 3
Complete an induction
After your registration is complete and we've identified a volunteer role that aligns with your skills and interests, you'll participate in a comprehensive induction. This will provide you with all the information and support you need to feel confident and prepared in your new role.
Smiles that say it all
Take a peek into the heart of our community, where volunteers and older people come together to share laughter, purpose and connection.
Yes, we require a National Police Certificate for the purposes of Aged Care.
No, Southern Cross Care covers police certificates for successful volunteer applicants, at no cost to the applicant.
Yes, we offer volunteer positions in all areas of our organisation, from our Health & Wellness Services, to Community Programs, Central Office and more.
We know every volunteer brings unique skills, interests and experiences and that’s something we truly value. While we offer a variety of roles through our Leisure and Lifestyle Volunteer Program, we also understand that not everyone fits into a set box.
If you don’t see a role that suits you, we’d still love to hear from you. Whether it’s a special talent, activity idea or way you’d like to support our residents, we’re open to exploring a tailored opportunity with you.
Our aged care homes are full of meaningful and engaging activities from walking and gardening groups to quizzes and companionship. Volunteers play a big part in creating joy, connection and a better quality of life for our residents. Let’s chat and see how you can get involved in a way that feels rewarding for you and valuable for them.
As a health-promoting organisation, Southern Cross Care is following the ATAGI vaccination guidelines for staff, volunteers, clients and residents. While full COVID-19 vaccination and an up-to-date flu vaccination are highly recommended, they are not mandatory for volunteers working within our Residential Care homes.
We accept volunteers from the age of 12 to 85 years of age; however, a minor (16 years and below) does require a parent in attendance unless the volunteering or work experience has been arranged through a school.
