At BushED our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. Our volunteers help us bring our passion for education to the families and children in rural communities, and provide valuable family support on farm through our Pitch In program and Buddy mothers through our Mothers in Arms program.
Bushed offers three distinct volunteering opportunities
Educational – On farm and Online Tutoring
Are you community minded and have a passion for children’s education? Do you long to contribute, but just don’t know where to begin? Whatever your skill level, your life experience and passion are valued – the rest we can assist you with.
We welcome volunteers who are current or retired educators with a love of teaching, who want to share that dedication and passion with isolated children. As a volunteer, you’ll be supported to get to and from your home base, in return for staying on farm / station a minimum of 30 days to to help educate our outback kids.
Pitch In Farm Experience volunteering.
If you are traveling around Australia, why not offer your skills and interest in rural life through Pitch In for a few weeks on farm life. Our farmers love meeting people and they could always do with an extra pair of hands. Check out our Pitch In properties, get in touch with the farmer and have the time of your life
Mothers in Arms Buddy Mum volunteering.
Our Pre and Post Natal program always requires Buddy Mums to work alongside those experiencing the motherhood experience, especially the first timers. Our Buddy mums are super people helping connect and care for new mums, helping them understand the journey, supporting them when they need it and providing advice on becoming a distance education mum which most remote and isolated families utilise. Enquire about becoming a Buddy Mum today.
Below we’ve listed a few questions and answers we’ve received in the past. If you don’t see an answer to a question submit it or call us on 1800 287 433
All Volunteers – Please be aware that our process will require the relevant State Government issued Blue Card / Working with Children to complete your application where children related volunteering occurs.
Click here to register as a Tutor or Pitch In volunteer
How do I register?
How do I know what positions are available?
Once your application has met all requirements you will have access to a Jobs
Board on the website
How do I apply for a placement?
Follow the Jobs Board prompts and press the Apply for Job button. This will send an email to the job poster as well as BushED admin.
Can my partner accompany me?
Yes, we encourage it. They may even become your Aide.
How do I know if my offer has been successful?
You will be informed by email.
Why do I need to indicate my professional skill areas?
Families with special needs will make decisions based on what you have told them. For example you may be a Speech Therapist, Reading Recovery trained.
What do I need to do before I leave?
Make sure that you are physically able to travel and work. Make sure that your Working with Children clearances are appropriate. Contact the family and establish times and any other queries you may have. The family will have queries too.
Can I bring my pets with me?
Ask the family, farm dogs are not pets.
How do I find out about the needs of the child?
Talk to parents and seek advice from them.
-Ask about the child’s/children,s behaviour.
-Ask if the child/children are struggling in any areas of their education. (For example; Reading, Writing, or Maths)
-Are there any special needs that should be considered?
-Ask about resources available in the schoolroom.
-Ask Ask about hobbies the child/children may have.
-Ask who else may be involved in their child’s education.
It is not uncommon for a child to need a little more assistance in one or more areas of their learning. The more you ask the more you learn about the family and the child/children.
How do I know the child’s strengths and weaknesses?
See above
Can I approach the SDE for information about the child?
Permission to approach the SoDE or SotA must be discussed with the parent first. If the parent agrees to allow you to speak with the child’s registered educational institution, any discussion must be in conjunction with the parent and the SoDE or SotA.
Will the SDE know I am coming?
Only if they are told. Ask parents to do so. It is a common courtesy to advise all parties.
Will the SDE be happy with me assisting the child?
Generally speaking, the SDE will be happy to have any assistance for their pupils but remember that they are responsible for the entire year’s work so our job is to assist not interfere.
Can I alter the Education Program of the child?
The short answer is NO..
If you have questions about the educational program that is being taught to a child, have a discussion with the parent to decide if the best course of action is the meet with SoDE/SotA teacher.
How do I claim my travelling expenses?
Keep your fuel receipts and submit them to BushED using the form on the website anytime within six months of your placement and you will be reimbursed up to $1,000 per/year. These funds made available come from BushED and are the only reimbursements available for travel.
Will I be insured while I am volunteering with Bushed Australia?
You will be covered by Bushed’s volunteer insurance policy if you receive written confirmation of your appointment from Bushed. If you organise a placement directly with a family with Bushed acceptance you WILL NOT BE COVERED. Bushed will only cover you while you are in residence with the family and not your travel to and from your placement address.
