Volunteers are a highly valued part of the Royal Melbourne Hospital team. They play an important role in improving the experiences of patients, consumers, carers, visitors and staff members.
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 eligibility
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
Dates for recruitment and onboarding
The RMH opens for volunteer recruitment twice a year, each January and June. These intakes are an opportunity to join the RMH as a wayfinder or ward assist volunteer at one of our 4 locations.
January 2026 volunteer intake
Applications will next open on Tuesday 12 January 2026.
Applicants will need to commit to being available for a one-day induction held in person at the RMH Parkville from 9.30am to 4pm on either Wednesday 25 February or Tuesday 3 March 2026
Our January intake will start volunteer shifts from Wednesday 4 March 2026.
Contact our Volunteer Services team is you have any questions. Call (03) 9342 7196 (during office hours from Monday to Friday) or email volunteer@mh.org.au
Volunteering roles at the RMH
Our volunteers perform a range of tasks across various sites:
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 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 RMH
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
- Assisting patients to purchase convenience store items
Residential Aged Care volunteers help with lifestyle programs and provide social and emotional support to patients in two RMH aged care centres, Boyne Russell House in Brunswick and Cyril Jewell House in East Keilor.
Your tasks may include:
- Providing friendly conversation to assist with loneliness
- Helping residents enjoy a variety of activities such as reading
- Getting involved with craft activities, cooking and exercise programs
- Assisting with residents on movie days, gardening and social outings
Other volunteer opportunities
Be part of a team making an impact on patient care.
Project Twiddles volunteers create handcrafted 'twiddle' items at home to be distributed to patients with dementia and delirium. These items help to reduce anxiety and act as a diversional therapy towards recovery.
This program is perfect for those who love craft and knitting. You will be provided with patterns and instructions for making twiddle items.
Project Twiddles is always open to new volunteers. Contact projecttwiddles@gmail.com for details.
Live music volunteers perform live music to enhance the experience for patients and visitors at the RMH Parkville and the RMH Royal Park.
Contact RMHlivemusic@mh.org.au for more details.
300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria