Volunteer at Community Day.

Volunteers must:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Be friendly, reliable and comfortable around dogs and cats.
• Have good communication and basic computer or iPad skills.
• Be willing to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Be comfortable working outdoors and spending time on their feet.
• Be available from 08:00 to 16:00.

No previous veterinary experience is required.

Volunteers will assist with:

• Welcoming visitors and answering general enquiries.
• iPad registration and updating digital pet records under appropriate guidance.
• Directing visitors between stations and managing visitor flow.
• Reminding pet owners to maintain safe distances between animals.
• General event administration and support.

Photography: Two volunteers will be assigned to take event photographs using an iPhone. No professional experience is required, and guidance will be provided.

Training

All selected volunteers will receive:

• A compulsory pre-event Zoom training session coordinated by Kerry.
• An emailed training document covering procedures, responsibilities and safety.
• A final briefing and allocation of duties on the morning of the event.

Alternative training arrangements may be approved where necessary.

Event day

• Arrival: 08:00 sharp.
• Finish: 16:00.
• Breaks: Two 30-minute breaks, coordinated by team leaders.
• Setup: Volunteers will not be responsible for setting up or dismantling event infrastructure.

Each volunteer will work under a designated team leader and must inform them before leaving their assigned station.

If you are unable to attend after confirming your participation, please notify Kerry as soon as possible.

Each volunteer will receive an official AWARE Foundation golf shirt.

Please wear

• Neat, full-length denim jeans.
• Comfortable, closed shoes (trainers or takkies).
• A cap or sun hat.

Shorts and open shoes are not permitted.

Please bring

• Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
• Any personal medication you may need.
• Additional food if you have specific dietary requirements.

We will provide

• Drinking water.
• Light refreshments, including sandwiches and snacks.
• Additional sunscreen.
• Equipment required for assigned duties.

A formal sit-down lunch will not be provided. Please inform the organisers beforehand of any dietary requirements.

As the event is outdoors, volunteers are encouraged to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly and use their breaks to rest.

All volunteers are expected to treat visitors, staff and fellow volunteers with courtesy and respect, follow team leader instructions and remain focused on their assigned responsibilities.

Confidentiality

Personal information and veterinary records must be treated as confidential. Volunteers may only access information necessary for their assigned duties and must never copy, photograph or share confidential records.

All event photography must follow the organisers’ consent procedures, particularly when photographing children.

Safety

Any injuries, animal bites, aggressive behaviour, allergic reactions, heat exhaustion or other safety concerns must be reported immediately.

Volunteers must never attempt to restrain aggressive animals or intervene in dangerous situations.

A qualified paramedic will be available on site throughout the event to provide first aid and emergency medical assistance.

Emergency contact and medical information

All selected volunteers must provide an emergency contact’s name, relationship and telephone number, plus an alternative number where available. Please ensure your nominated contact is aware that their details have been provided.

Volunteers will also have the option to confidentially disclose any medical conditions or severe allergies relevant to emergency assistance, or discuss these privately with the designated first-aid coordinator.

Medical disclosure is entirely voluntary, will not affect volunteer selection and will be handled confidentially, with access limited to appropriately authorised personnel.

Before participating, selected volunteers must electronically:

• Confirm acceptance of their volunteer position.
• Provide emergency contact details.
• Read and acknowledge these Volunteer Guidelines.
• Complete the required training and sign the training acknowledgement.
• Sign the required indemnity documentation.

By acknowledging these guidelines, volunteers confirm that they understand their responsibilities, professional boundaries, confidentiality obligations and safety requirements, and agree to follow reasonable instructions from designated team leaders.