Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of Welfare Rights Centre, bringing their energy, skills, and commitment to maximise our impact. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable role they play and their contribution. Volunteers help us to deliver our legal services and assist with essential administrative tasks that underpin our casework practice.

Apply to become part of our Volunteer Program here.

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Intake matters administration volunteers assisted in 2023/24
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Value of time contributed by administration volunteers each year
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Calls answered by administration volunteers in the first 6 months of 2024
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Tess and Bella are part of our volunteer program and are incredible social justice defenders as they support us in helping uphold the right to social security.
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We are passionate about training and inspiring volunteers. We offer two volunteer intake sessions each year.
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Administration and communications volunteers, PLT students and placement students work with our staff everyday!
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"I would definitely encourage any law students that are looking to broaden their legal knowledge and skills in a supportive environment to consider the Welfare Rights Centre" 

- Aleks, who was a PLT student with us in 2023, and was recently admitted as a lawyer!

Volunteers share their experiences at Welfare Rights Centre
“I have truly enjoyed my time here… It has been a very rewarding experience and I have learnt so much. Working for a non-profit has altered my perspective on the world”
- Previous Communications Volunteer
"Volunteering here is by far and by all means the most rewarding experience I’ve had not only for my professional but also for my personal development."
- Previous PLT student

"Volunteering here has been a rewarding experience for me, and I have learned a great deal that I am eager to carry forward into my future law career"

- Previous Volunteer

“My experience answering the admin line deepened my understanding of social security, how solicitors work, and how I can support especially vulnerable people over the phone in a calm way.”

- Administration Volunteer

“It was satisfying being able to give legal advice to people who would otherwise be on their own.”

- Previous Pro Bono Solicitor 

"Truly impacted me how many people the Centre served on a daily basis, and always with empathy and legal excellence."

- Previous Administration Volunteer
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Claudia began volunteering at Welfare Rights Centre in February 2021 after hearing great things about volunteering at community legal centres from other law students. Welfare Rights Centre's specialisation in social security law was definitely a draw-card, and she's found that the complex cross-section of so many legal and social issues makes for dynamic and interesting work.

Claudia's volunteering role has provided her with great insights into the community justice sector. She's loved having a front row seat to observe the skill and empathy of the solicitors as they work to apply the rigid limits of the law to the complex lives of vulnerable people, reflecting an ethos grounded in justice and human dignity. She sees the Centre's solicitors as the legal system's 'humble heroes' - their work in restoring financial security genuinely changing their clients' quality of life.

Learn more about our Volunteer Program and how to apply here.