Volunteering with Friends of the Koala
Our precious volunteers are what make our work possible.
Volunteering to save koalas is an unforgettable experience and a chance to make a difference.
Every volunteer makes a difference.
Apply now and help us save koalas!
Volunteering Lismore, Northern Rivers or Virtually Worldwide!
 Friends of the Koala have the support of nearly 240 amazing volunteers here in Lismore, Northern Rivers and around the world, who dedicate their time and energy to our cause.
We welcome new volunteers at any time and offer a range of rewarding volunteer opportunities. By volunteering with us, not only will you get the opportunity to work closely with koalas, you will also develop new skills, make friends and work in an engaging, supportive and safe environment.
Volunteers are required to attend various training sessions depending on the skill level they wish to attain and will be subject to an initial two-month probationary period. All volunteers abide by the FOK Code of Conduct [31KB] to protect the health and safety of our koalas and each other.
If you have a few hours to spare each week, a love of koalas and want to support your local community, Friends of the Koala may be the place for you! Express your interest now by clicking "become a volunteer" or call our office on 02 6621 4664 for more information.
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer koala carers
Volunteer with koalas in Lismore, NSW
Our koala rehabilitation carers work closely with koalas in care at the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital in East Lismore.  Care shifts start at 12.30pm and usually finish at 4.30pm although this can vary depending on the number of koalas in care at a given time. This role requires a moderate level of fitness and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Volunteers in this space are responsible for selecting and replacing leaf and water supplies as well as cleaning, raking and general maintenance of the koala runs. They also make observations of koala behaviour and report those back to the vet team via custom in-house software. With dedication and appropriate training, some of our volunteers go on to more senior roles in this area such as undertaking training to assist supervisors with the administration of medications and supplements.
Koala Leafing Volunteers
Volunteers needed in Lismore, NSW
Our leaf harvesting volunteers learn how to identify the preferred koala food trees (KFTs) and harvest the amount required each day for koalas in care at our Koala Rehabilitation Centre. Koala Leafing Volunteers work in pairs and use our leafing van to collect leaf from our plantations.
This role requires a commitment of about 3 hours in the morning one day a week or every two weeks, and requires an average level of fitness and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. For safety reasons, it is a requirement to wear a hat and sturdy closed-toe shoes. We also recommend wearing long pants and long sleeves for this role.
Volunteer Koala Rescuers
Volunteers needed in Tweed Valley, Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina, Kyogle & Richmond Valley
Volunteer Koala Rescuers respond to calls received via our Koala Rescue Hotline and attend to sick, injured or orphaned koalas across the Northern Rivers. The koala volunteer assesses the situation and, depending on their experience level, will then undertake the rescue or seek further help or advice from our Rescue Coordinator.
While essential equipment is provided, Koala Volunteer Rescuers need their own car and a valid driver’s licence. As this role is highly specialised, we recommend volunteers become a Volunteer Koala Carer first, so they can gain experience with koalas and understand the level of commitment required.
Volunteer Koala Rescue Hotline Operators
Remote volunteers needed (volunteering from home)
Do you want to help save koalas indoors? Our Volunteer Hotline Operators staff our 24/7 Rescue Hotline. Answering calls to 02 6622 1233, our operators record the information reported by the caller, provide appropriate advice to the public, and put the call out for nearby, appropriately trained volunteers.
Our hotline is transferable and would suit someone who wants to volunteer with koalas but does not want, or is not able to get physically involved with rescuing and caring.
Volunteer Hotline Operators require a Smart Phone and excellent access to Internet. They also need patience, a clear telephone voice and must enjoy talking to people from all backgrounds. Also, often callers may be distressed so a calm disposition is critical. Training is provided.
Native Plant Nursery Volunteers
Volunteering Lismore, NSW
Nursery Volunteers work in our native plant nursery located at our Koala Care and Research Centre in East Lismore. Tasks include weeding, propagating, and thinning native seedlings.
For safety reasons, it is a requirement to wear a hat and sturdy closed-toe shoes, we also recommend wearing long pants and long sleeves. Some lifting and standing for long periods may be required. You do not need any previous experience to volunteer, just a love of plants and the outdoors.
International and Interstate Volunteers
Volunteering Lismore, NSW
Friends of the Koala welcomes international and interstate volunteers.
However, suitability is determined on a case-by-case basis and visitors need to meet certain criteria before they are accepted into our volunteer program. Depending on individual circumstances, such as the length of time you plan to be in the area and your availability, it is important to note the following;
- volunteers need to arrange their own accommodation;
- volunteers would need their own vehicle or transport to and from the Koala Hospital if not residing in the Lismore area (there is not a reliable public transport system from Byron Bay unfortunately);
- and all volunteers would need to agree to our basic requirements such as a commitment to the FOK Code of Conduct.
To express your interest in volunteering with us, please email: [email protected].
Other Volunteer Roles
Remote volunteering from home or office, worldwide
In the past we have benefited from the pro bono help of marketeers, social media influencers/professionals, sales and fundraising professionals, software engineers, consultants, video producers, and journalists to name a few!
If you have a skill which would be beneficial to us, please get in contact with us!