Volunteering

Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities that represent the diverse community we are here to serve.

They provide social, emotional and practical support in their roles as volunteers across the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).

Volunteer recruitment

The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) opens for volunteer recruitment twice a year, each January and June.

These intakes are an opportunity to join the RMH as a Wayfinding Volunteer or as a Ward Assist Volunteer.

Next recruitment round

We will post information on the next intake in December 2026.

The volunteer application link will be available on this page in early January 2027.

Volunteer eligibility

Successful applicants must meet the following criteria before starting their volunteer role.

Our volunteers must meet the following criteria:

• Can commit to 12 months of volunteer service
• Available to complete one 3- to 4-hour shift per week (shifts are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, depending on the role)
• Be an Australian citizen or visa holder with at least 12 months remaining on the visa
• Aged between 18 and 99 years of age
• Undergo a National Police Check, Working With Children Check and reference check
• Complete RMH Immunisation Assessment
• Complete onsite induction and online mandatory training
• Sign the RMH Volunteer Agreement, including compliance with relevant RMH policies and procedures

Volunteering roles at the RMH

Our volunteers perform a range of tasks across various sites:

Wayfinding Volunteers

Wayfinding volunteers provide a friendly welcome and essential help to guide the 100,000 visitors to the RMH Parkville (300 Grattan Street, Parkville) each year. This can include:

• Welcoming patients, visitors and staff at the RMH Parkville ground floor main reception
• Providing directions to those visiting for outpatient appointments
• Escorting visitors to RMH wards and clinics
• Providing wheelchair support to wards and departments of the hospital
• Guiding visitors, family members and staff to other parts of the RMH

Ward Assist Volunteers

Ward Assist Volunteers are trained to provide social and emotional support to patients, their families and visitors on wards at the RMH Parkville (300 Grattan Street, Parkville) and the RMH Royal Park (34-35 Poplar Road, Parkville) each year. This can include:

• Having a conversation with patients
• Doing games such as crosswords, sudoku and puzzles
• Bringing the library trolley to offer books and magazines
• Offering to read with patients
• Providing tea, coffee or water to patients, family members and visitors
• Helping patients to purchase convenience store items

Other volunteer opportunities