Volunteer with Make-A-Wish

Are you ready to join the Wish Force? Apply today to join our network of over 850 volunteers and become part of the world's largest wish-granting organisation for sick children and families

Learn more

Read more about our volunteer opportunities below to find the best option for you, then click 'Apply now' to begin the journey of a lifetime.

What do Make-A-Wish volunteers do?

From supporting sick kids and their families on a Wish Journey, to organising fundraising activities or raising awareness about Make-A-Wish, our volunteers play a key role in helping make wishes come true for critically ill children.

Whether they're welcoming new volunteers, capturing a wish, planning a gala ball, running a BBQ at a sausage sizzle, speaking at a local school or community club, our volunteers give their willingness and time to help bring hope and joy to wish children, their families, and their communities.

Why volunteer with us?

When you join the Wish Force, you become part of the world's largest wish-granting charity - with endless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of sick kids, their families, and local communities.

We are a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive organisation, and encourage people of all backgrounds, skills, and life experiences to get involved!

⭐ Meet like-minded people and create lifelong friendships
⭐ Develop new skills and gain valuable work-related experience
⭐ Build emotional resilience, well-being, and self-esteem
⭐ Give back and help others in your local community
⭐ And importantly, be inspired and have fun!

When you volunteer with us, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey—no matter your reason for getting started.

It is such a unique feeling. I can’t compare it to anything. When else can you see a child smile like that? Or talk so excitedly? The Make-A-Wish experience is one of a kind.

Zoe, Make-A-Wish volunteer

Types of volunteers

For those interested in an ongoing role, branch volunteering involves:

⭐ Attending your local branch meetings, held once a month on a weeknight

⭐ Helping local wish families by capturing their child’s unique wish and bringing it to life through all stages of the  Wish Journey

⭐ Supporting local fundraising and events, from fun runs and sausage sizzles to gala balls and bake-offs

⭐ Raising awareness in your local community, helping drive our reach and impact to achieve our mission

⭐ Please note: activities vary from branch to branch

Things to consider before applying:

⭐ You must be 18 years or older and ready to commit to volunteering for at least 12 months

⭐ You must have a personal email address and at least a basic level of technical skill to access our online volunteer platform regularly

⭐ You must complete online induction training within 6 weeks of becoming a new volunteer

⭐ You must be willing to undergo our volunteer application process which includes an interview, reference checks, a background check, and a Working with Children Check (or equivalent for your State/Territory) as part of our commitment to child safety

⭐ You must have access to reliable transport to attend meetings, wish captures, and fundraising events

⭐ For volunteers involved with wish granting, it's important that you enjoy and can communicate well with children, young people, and their families

For those interested in an ongoing role, virtual volunteering involves:

⭐ Connecting with volunteers across Australia in your online team meetings held once a month on a weeknight

⭐ Helping local wish families by capturing their child’s unique wish and bringing it to life through all stages of the  Wish Journey

Things to consider before applying:

⭐ You must be 18 years or older and ready to commit to volunteering for at least 12 months

⭐ You must have a personal email address and at least a basic level of technical skill to access our online volunteer platform regularly

⭐ You must complete online induction training within 6 weeks of becoming a new volunteer

⭐ You must be willing to undergo our volunteer application process which includes an interview, reference checks, a background check, and a Working with Children Check (or equivalent for your State/Territory) as part of our commitment to child safety

⭐ It's important that you enjoy and can communicate well with children, young people, and their families

For those interested in getting involved in an ad-hoc way, short term volunteering involves:

⭐ Helping at an upcoming Make-A-Wish activity or event

⭐ Often for a single shift or a day

⭐ Supporting local fundraising and events, from fun runs to Foam Fest, sausage sizzles, donation tin collections, and gala balls

Things to consider before applying:

⭐ You must be 18 years or older 

⭐ You must have a personal email address

⭐ You must have access to reliable transport

⭐Short term opportunities vary by date and location so we’re unable to guarantee the frequency of involvement

⭐ If you'd prefer to organise your own fundraising event in your local community, you can find more information here - Make-A-Wish Australia: Fundraise For Charity

For those interested in volunteeringopportunities through their workplace, corporate volunteering involves:

⭐ Connecting with Make-A-Wish through your organisation

⭐ An opportunity to give back within your company or team

⭐ Group activities such as Wish Workshops or Trees of Joy

Things to consider before applying:

⭐ You must be 18 years or older 

⭐ You must be part of an organisation that supports corporate volunteering

⭐ Find ways for your workplace to partner with Make-A-Wish here - Partner With Us | Corporate Volunteering & Workshops - Make-A-Wish Australia

For those with a specific skill set or experience looking to volunteer:

⭐ From time to time, we need skilled/project volunteers who support the work done through our Head Office

⭐ We’re currently seeking volunteers with skills and experience in recruitment to join our Virtual Recruitment Team to help run interviews for prospective volunteers

Things to consider before applying:

⭐ You must be 18 years or older 

⭐ You must have a personal email address and be able to demonstrate skills or experience in a relevant role

⭐ You must be willing to undergo our volunteer application process which includes an interview, reference checks, a background check, and a Working with Children Check (or equivalent for your State/Territory) to ensure all volunteers share as part of our commitment to child safety

Volunteering FAQs

We offer a range of ways for you to get involved and volunteer with Make-A-Wish.

Branch and virtual volunteers as you are joining a community and meeting wish families, we request that you commit to at least 12 months. This includes attending a monthly meeting (45 mins to 1 hour, usually after hours) and additional time depending on your team’s activities.

Short-term volunteers help on an ad hoc basis, supporting events like fundraising days and BBQs—typically just a few hours at a time.

Corporate volunteering is a great team-building option for groups wanting to get involved in a meaningful way. The time required will depend on specific activities, which are tailored to each group.

Office and skilled volunteering suits those with specific expertise or who can help on a regular basis at our HQ office in Melbourne—for example, one day per fortnight.

With a variety of opportunities available, there's a way to volunteer that suits every schedule and skill set. Whatever way you choose to help, we're grateful for your commitment and support in helping to make wishes come true!

Applying is quick and easy! Just click 'Apply now' at the bottom of this screen and complete the online Expression of Interest form—tell us a bit about yourself and the type of volunteering you're interested in.

Some branches and virtual teams have waitlists in place, so there may be a delay in matching you to a role - but we'll let you know if this is the case.

Once you apply, we’ll email you about available opportunities and let you know the status of your application.

Be sure to check your inbox (and junk folder) for updates!

As a charity committed to children's safety and wellbeing, we have a thorough application process to ensure we place the right people in the right roles.

For successful branch and virtual applicants, the process includes:

  • An interview
  • Reference checks
  • A background check
  • A state-based Working with Children Check

All new volunteers are welcomed by their local branch/team or by our HQ staff, depending on the type of volunteering chosen. For branch and virtual volunteers, we have an online induction course to help prepare you for your role. You'll also receive mentoring from experienced volunteers as well as ongoing support from staff at HQ to help you get 'wish-ready'.

We have an online platform for our volunteers, where you will be able to access resources and connect with other volunteers across Australia.

Whatever your role, we are here to support you.

If you’re unsure which branch or team is closest to you, don’t worry, once you submit your enquiry, we'll review your location to find the most suitable option for you!

Click on the link to visit the branch Facebook page. Please note: not all branches have a Facebook Page.

Australia-wide

Virtual Wish Team

ACT

NSW

NT

QLD

SA

TAS

VIC

WA

Once you've read about our types of volunteering opportunities and you're ready to get involved,  click the 'Apply now' button  below to fill in our quick and easy online form.

Please keep an eye on your emails (including your junk folder) to make sure you don't miss any important updates from us.

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Ready to join the Wish Force?

Get started here!

Wish kids featured on this page

⭐ Sammy, 6, pleuropulmonary blastoma, 'I wish for an ice castle cubby'

⭐ Paula, 5, brain cancer, 'I wish to have an adventure day with Spider-Man'

⭐ Alicia, 10, leukodystrophy, 'I wish to sing on ‘The Voice’!'

Volunteers featured on this page

⭐ Emma & Alana - Brisbane North Branch

⭐ Kathy, Uaan, & Stephen - Cardinia-Casey Branch

⭐ David & Eden - Brisbane City South Branch

⭐ Chris, Tamara, & Michael - Melbourne Branch

⭐ Event helpers at Viker's wish

⭐ Eufy corporate volunteers with Alicia's family

⭐ Courtney - Melbourne Branch