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Become a Volunteer

Volunteers have been the bedrock of Community Gateway since our humble beginnings in 1976. When you share your time with us, you are actively breaking cycles of isolation and helping to hold our regional community together.

volunteer pathways

Choose your path to make a local difference.

Our volunteer programs focus on the transformative power of human connection. You can choose to provide friendly companionship to a local older person based on shared interests and location, or to become a digital tutor to help our community build confidence with modern technology.

You don’t need specialist skills to make a profound impact, just a willingness to give back. 

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Our Programs

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).

The ACVVS helps older people stay connected and improve their quality of life through regular visits from friendly, trained and screened volunteers. We match volunteers with an older person based on shared interests and location, whether they live at home with a care package or in residential aged care.

These visits provide companionship to boost mental health, increase self-esteem, and reduce feelings of isolation or anxiety. Activities are co-created, with volunteers and older people often spending time reading, walking, listening to music, watching movies, or simply sharing a conversation together.

Community Gateway delivers the ACVVS across the Northern Rivers, helping older people feel connected, valued, and supported.

Volunteer visitors commit to:

  • Spending at least one hour every two weeks with a recipient
  • Providing companionship and friendship
  • Co-creating enjoyable activities
  • Keeping in touch with the scheme coordinator
Register Interest
Our Programs

Digital Skills for Older People.

The Be Connected program helps older people grow their skills and confidence with technology through free, personalised, one-on-one lessons. We pair volunteer tutors with older people and support them in learning to use computers, tablets, or mobile devices at their own pace.

Lessons are intended to reduce the technology gap, helping seniors navigate essential daily tasks such as accessing the internet, managing email, using social media to connect with loved ones, and navigating digital shopping.

Community Gateway delivers Be Connected across the Northern Rivers to help older people stay connected, capable, and informed.

Volunteer digital mentors commit to:

  • Providing patient, one-on-one lessons tailored to the learner’s pace
  • Guiding seniors in using computers, tablets, or mobile devices
  • Helping learners build confidence with the internet, email, and social media
  • Keeping in touch with the program coordinator
Register Interest
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More ways to give back to your community.

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