Volunteer with us

Applicants should have a strong desire to learn and an interest in contemporary art, culture, architecture, and local history. They should also be eager to share this knowledge with our visitors.

No prior experience, qualifications, or specialised knowledge are required to volunteer.

We seek individuals with excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills. All necessary training will be provided.

Volunteering with us offers exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth:

• You can self-schedule your shifts based on our Gallery programs and tour bookings, giving you flexibility.
• Each shift typically lasts two hours.
• We expect volunteers to deliver at least one tour per month and assist with programs at least twice a month.

We provide extensive training to enhance your skills and knowledge, ensuring a high quality of visitor engagement. Volunteers appreciate the wealth of information available to help them excel in their roles. This includes attending new exhibition briefings, training meetings and the option to conduct independent research at your own pace.

Volunteers receive exhibition fact sheets containing essential information and suggested reading lists, including books, articles, and websites to deepen your understanding of exhibition and artwork themes.

Aside from giving back to the community, volunteers are passionate people who freely provide their time and energy to support the work of paid staff.

Volunteering with us offers a range of exciting benefits:

• Expand your skills and knowledge in areas like public speaking, personal communication, and art and history.
• Enhance your public speaking abilities.
• Build valuable networks and connect with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and visitors who share your interests.
• Gain insight into the daily operations of a public art gallery.
• Learn leadership skills by leading tours and assisting with programs.
• Participate in exhibition openings.
• Develop skills that can enhance your applications for paid positions.

Join us and enjoy these rewarding experiences while contributing to our vibrant community.

The application process for volunteering at Incinerator Gallery is an exciting journey, with specific dates and details provided on this page during recruitment periods.

Here’s a general guide to what you can expect:

1. Applications Invited: Submit your application to join our vibrant team.
2. Group Interview: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a group interview where you can showcase your passion and skills.
3. Reference Checks: We’ll contact your references to learn more about you.
4. Background Checks: Successful candidates will be asked to complete a Working With Children Check (WWCC) and fit2work Police Check.
5. Induction and Training Day: Attend this comprehensive session to get acquainted with the Gallery, other volunteers and your role.
6. Start Volunteering: Once training is complete, you’ll be ready to begin your exciting volunteer journey at the Gallery!

Join us and be part of an inspiring community dedicated to art, culture, and education!

We offer a comprehensive training program for new volunteers, designed to set you up for success:

Induction and Training Day:

This key event is one of the final stages of the application process and is mandatory for all finalists. During this day, you will:

• Learn about Incinerator Gallery’s history, current exhibitions, and venue layout.
• Receive guidance on providing excellent visitor service, engaging with visitors, and managing daily logistics.
• Get an overview of Moonee Valley City Council’s corporate structure, policies, and processes, including MV2040, confidentiality, privacy, equal opportunity, occupational health and safety, Child Safe standards, and general safety and security.

First Shift Orientation:

• A staff member will complete an induction checklist with you to ensure you’re comfortable and ready to begin.

Ongoing Training:

• You’ll have access to readings and training materials focused on general interpretation and guiding, including public speaking skills, techniques for engaging diverse visitor types, and managing groups.
• Additional resources will cover working with school student groups, achieving curriculum goals, collaborating with teachers, employing inquiry-based learning methods, and managing school groups.

This structured training program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a volunteer, making your experience both rewarding and enriching.

After completing the Induction and Training, volunteers can continue to expand their knowledge and skills through various engaging opportunities:

• Pre-Shift Briefings: Stay informed with regular briefings before each shift.
• Specialised Learning Sessions: Participate in orientation, curator, briefings, artist, or educator-led floor talks and training sessions for exhibitions and historical displays.
• Additional Training: Take advantage of briefings and training sessions as they arise, along with one-on-one mentoring from Gallery staff.
• Hands-On Experience: Benefit from team teaching and ongoing shadowing of tours and education programs led by other volunteers and staff.
• Resource Access: Receive online access to additional texts and information about Incinerator Gallery's history, exhibitions, and general topics.
• Council Training Opportunities: Explore further training opportunities offered by the Council from time to time.

Join us to enjoy these enriching learning experiences and become an integral part of our dynamic volunteer team.

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, all Incinerator Gallery volunteers must complete a Police Check and Working With Children Check (WWCC) before attending the Induction and Training Day. This process is part of our commitment to maintaining a child-safe environment, in compliance with the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic.).

By meeting these requirements, you will contribute to the high standards of safety and security upheld by Incinerator Gallery and Moonee Valley City Council. These checks are renewed regularly to keep our community safe and thriving. Join us in creating a secure space for all our visitors.

• Police Checks are completed online and paid for by Council.
• WWCCs are completed online at the Department of Justice website and are free for volunteers.

Teachers with Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration can use their volunteering towards the 50 days currency of practice and professional development for the purposes of VIT registration. Refer to the VIT website.

Volunteers have a role that puts them at the forefront of visitor interactions, and as the face of Incinerator Gallery, they should dress professionally.

Volunteers are encouraged to be ‘sun smart’ when working outdoors and to keep hydrated.

On completion of their training, volunteers gain access to an exclusive website dedicated solely to them. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Flexible Scheduling: View available shifts and easily self-nominate for those that fit your schedule.
• Centralised Information: Access important updates about the Gallery and volunteering opportunities.

Plus, this website is also available as a convenient downloadable app, ensuring you have all the resources you need right at your fingertips. Join us and enjoy the flexibility and support this system offers.

Volunteering at Incinerator Gallery is for adults over 18 years of age.

Please read the Incinerator Gallery Volunteer Role Description carefully. All points in Frequently Asked Questions are covered in greater detail in the Volunteer Training and Induction Day.

If you have other questions please send an email to incinerator@mvcc.vic.gov.au.

For information about Moonee Valley City Council volunteering more broadly see the Council Volunteering page.