Frequently asked questions
What does a normal volunteer day look like?
Volunteers undertake various tasks around the house and property. These general tasks may include a specific project, basic gardening, painting, sorting and tidying linen cupboards, sorting the donated clothing into age/season/gender categories, washing windows, sorting and tidying the book shelves.
Arrival at around 9.30am is ideal but we can arrange an alternate time.
Departure is flexible, depending on your group needs. Most leave between 3- 4pm but some groups stay longer to finish their jobs off for the day.
Meals We can provide lunch with enough notice of numbers and standard dietary requirements. (this is currently subject to COVID changes)
What is the minimum and maximum group size?
We ask that you have a minimum of 6 volunteers to ensure the best experience for all in your group. A maximum number of 15 is ideal but we have accommodated larger groups. Please let us know in advance to enable us to plan tasks and catering.
Where does the volunteering take place ?
The Retreat is just outside Kilmore which is about 40 minutes North of Melbourne up the Hume Freeway. We provide the exact location directly to you after you book. We try to minimize publishing the location of the Retreat as part of our child protection policy.
There is a short stretch of unsealed road which you need to drive on for about 5 Kilometers to get to the Retreat.
Can we use public transport?
With enough notice we can pick up groups from the Kilmore East train station. There is a V line train that departs regularly from Southern Cross.
If you are driving we suggest that you car pool with colleagues to reduce the number of cars driving in and out of the property.
How much does it cost?
The financial contribution is $850 (plus GST).
We do sometimes consider in kind payments for volunteer days. This may be in the form of items from our wishlist or the services of skilled volunteers. If you feel your organisation has something to offer in this respect, please let us know.
Is there a cancellation policy?
If you have to cancel your shift within 1 week of your booking date, we apply a cancellation fee of $10 per person. The reason for this is to cover the costs of any food pre-purchased for your lunches.
What do we need to bring/wear?
You should wear comfortable clothes’ that you don’t mind getting dirty. Flat and close toes shoes such as runners or boots are a must. We suggest you bring a hat on sunny days as you may be working outside. We do have some but often garden gloves can come in handy if you have some.
Do we need to get Working With Children Checks?
You do NOT require a Working with Children Check as you will not be left with the children unsupervised. However, we do require each member of your group to read the Child Safety Standards. You will find these here and here.
Do we need to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
The Children First Foundation Retreat is classed as a healthcare setting and is subject to the Victorian government’s Vaccination Mandate.
From 15 October 2021, in order to volunteer at The Retreat, you must be able to provide evidence that you:
- are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, or
- have received a first dose, and be booked for a second dose by 15 December, or
- be booked to receive a first dose by 29 October, or
- have a medical exemption.