Have you ever struggled to find the right volunteers or keep them engaged for your events? If you’ve found yourself asking the same question, you’re not alone. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, volunteer participation in Australia dropped to 24% in 2023, down from 26.7% the previous year. With fewer people stepping forward, securing reliable volunteers has become more challenging. Managing volunteers takes more than just filling roles – it requires smart recruitment, clear communication, and the right support to create a smooth and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Why Volunteers Matter in Events

Volunteers are the backbone of many events, bringing energy, passion, and a sense of community to every role. Whether it’s a corporate function, conference, non-profit event, or large-scale public event, volunteers help ensure smooth operations while gaining valuable experience. However, successful volunteer recruitment and management require careful planning to create a positive and legally compliant experience for everyone involved.

Legal Considerations for Volunteer Recruitment in Australia

Recruiting volunteers isn’t just about finding enthusiastic participants – it also involves following Australian legal requirements. Organisations must ensure that volunteers:

• Work in a Safe Environment: Compliance with OH&S regulations is essential.
• Are Not Replacing Paid Staff: Volunteers cannot take over roles that were previously paid positions.
• Receive Adequate Training: Volunteers must be provided with the necessary knowledge and skills.
• Are Treated Fairly: Equal opportunity hiring is a legal requirement that ensures a fair and inclusive recruitment process, helping to create diverse and well-rounded teams. Organisations must also comply with privacy protections under the Privacy Act 1988 to keep volunteer information secure.
• Are Covered by Insurance: Organisations should have volunteer insurance to protect both parties.

At Right Angle Events, we ensure all roles align with these guidelines, creating a fair, compliant, and positive volunteering experience.

Our Volunteer Recruitment and Onboarding Process

The volunteer journey starts long before event day. At Right Angle Events, we follow a structured recruitment and onboarding process to ensure a smooth and engaging experience:

1. Clear Position Descriptions: Every role has defined responsibilities and expectations.
2. Recruitment Platforms: We advertise roles on Seek Volunteer, on our social media platforms particularly Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and on community networks to reach a broader audience.
3. Selection & Communication: We connect with applicants via phone or email to discuss their interests and confirm participation.
4. Pre-Event Briefings: Volunteers receive welcome emails, event maps, and policies, followed by a briefing session.
5. Event-Day Support: We provide meals, training, and on-site assistance to keep volunteers motivated and engaged.

The Benefits of Volunteering

For Volunteers

• Growth Opportunity: Expand your skills, confidence, and experience in a dynamic event environment. 
• Growth Opportunity: Expand your skills, confidence, and experience in a dynamic event environment.
• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in event management, coordination, and teamwork.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, planners, and corporate event organisers.
• Personal Fulfillment: Supporting a cause or contributing to a successful conference, festival, or corporate event leaves a lasting impact.

For Organisations

Volunteers bring enthusiasm, dedication, and a personal touch that enhances the experience for attendees. Whether it’s a corporate event, party, or large-scale community initiative, volunteers help create a welcoming and well-organised atmosphere.

In fact, a 2024 report by Volunteering Australia found that for every dollar invested in volunteering, there is a 520% return on investment. This highlights the immense value volunteers bring not just in terms of cost savings but also in improving event quality and community engagement. Volunteers’ contributions help organisations deliver seamless experiences while fostering a sense of connection among attendees.

Overcoming Challenges in Volunteer Recruitment

Recruiting and managing volunteers comes with challenges, such as no-shows, cancellations, and low engagement. At Right Angle Events, we tackle these hurdles by:

• Active Engagement: Regular communication ensures volunteers stay informed and committed.
• Over-Recruitment: We account for last-minute dropouts by recruiting slightly more volunteers than needed.
• Post-Event Feedback: We gather insights to improve future event planning and volunteer experiences.

Our Commitment to Volunteer Management

We are always improving our volunteer coordinator and management strategies to create a positive and rewarding experience. Our initiatives include:

• Centralised Systems: Transitioning to ClickUp to streamline recruitment, task management, and communication.
• Volunteer Appreciation: Providing certificates, thank-you emails, and networking opportunities.
• Long-Term Engagement: Maintaining a volunteer database for future corporate events, conferences, and entertainment projects.

A Positive Volunteer Experience: The Right Angle Difference

Right Angle Events is proud to be part of Melbourne’s vibrant event scene, where volunteers are seen as valued team members, not just extra hands. We create an environment where volunteers can learn, connect, and contribute meaningfully.

Volunteering isn’t just about helping – it’s an opportunity to gain industry experience with a company, build careers, and be part of something extraordinary.

If your organisation is looking to recruit and manage volunteers for an upcoming event, we can help. Contact us today to learn how Right Angle Events ensures a seamless, engaging, and rewarding volunteer experience for all.