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Get involved
Become a koala volunteer
If you love wildlife and have time to spare, join our hospital and koala volunteers
Get involved to help care for and protect wild lives
Our dedicated team of 200+ hospital and koala volunteers are vital to keeping our rescue service, wildlife care, plantations, fundraising and site running – and giving more of our precious native animals the best chance to thrive in the wild.
Making a difference means getting hands-on with the rescue, care and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned koalas and other native animals. We’ll train you up and get you involved, and you’ll be out in the bush and on the ground doing work that matters.
We also need people behind the scenes, across a wide range of practical roles – from rescue operations and leaf collection to cleaning, gardening, education, fundraising, admin and maintenance.
Whatever your skills, volunteering with us means fresh air, good company and contributing directly to local conservation across Port Stephens, the Hunter and surrounding region to heal wild lives.
Whether you have a few hours a month or several days a week, every hour you contribute as a koala conservation volunteer makes a difference.
Give volunteering a go
Choose a volunteer role that matches your interests or skills. There’s always plenty for willing hands to get involved in here at PKSH
Apply to volunteer today
Volunteer story
Carmel, koala carer and designer
After moving to Port Stephens, Carmel wanted to contribute to something meaningful and now supports our koalas through hands-on care – from feeding to post-surgery recovery care. You might find her in the yards surrounded by bushland or using her design skills for visual storytelling that helps share wildlife journeys.
“Volunteering has given me a greater sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of just how vulnerable koalas are in the wild; something that continues to inspire me every single week”
Volunteer story
Melinda, koala and habitat carer
After visiting our hospital, Melinda became a dedicated team member, splitting her time between koala care and supporting the nursery to grow eucalyptus feed trees. Highlights of her volunteer journey include helping release Blossom back into the wild and planting 130 feed trees on her own property along a koala corridor.
“Volunteering is satisfying, fulfilling and rewarding. If you can, give it a go. You’ll become part of a truly special team.”
Volunteer story
Frank, wildlife all-rounder
After visiting PSKH as a tourist before moving to the area, Frank decided to get involved once he had more time, combining his love of animals with a desire to give back. His shifts are hands-on and meaningful, cleaning enclosures, feeding, observing and caring for 4-6 animals at a time, all while keeping detailed records.
“I really enjoy the diversity of animals I help care for and knowing I’m supporting their journey to recovery and release. From possums to kookaburras, every shift is different and always rewarding.”
Volunteer story
Gai, reception, promotions, uniforms
Gai’s journey with us began in 2017 when she spotted an ad in a local newspaper. Starting in koala care, she now works across reception, promotions, and as a uniform coordinator – a true all-rounder. Her love for koalas and wildlife brought her to us, but it’s the people and community that keep her coming back.
“Volunteering is a wonderful way to stay active, connected, and continue learning while making a real difference. Reception is never dull, from the usual calls and emails to the unexpected moments like helping manage the arrival of a 102kg turtle!”
Volunteer story
Scott, plantations and maintenance
After hearing about us in the local newsletter, Scott’s passion to support koala welfare and give back to nature brought him to our volunteer community. He helps build a better future for our wildlife by growing and maintaining the very thing koalas rely on most: their natural environment. He loves spotting them feeding in our plantation.
“I enjoy the mateship, the fresh air and the sense of purpose that comes with every shift. Whether it’s nurturing seedlings or working in the plantation. If you’re thinking about volunteering, go for it – it’s deeply rewarding.”
If you have a skill or interest that’s not on the list that could support our work, we’d love to hear from you.
Be part of our social colony
When you join skilled volunteer team, you’re joining a big community. We’re a passionate, welcoming group who share a love of wildlife – and we enjoy getting to know one another over a coffee or event.
You’ll make friends with other volunteers, share stories and be part of something genuinely meaningful.
Volunteer checklist
Before you apply to volunteer, here are a few things to consider:
All volunteers
- Are you 15 years of age or older?
- Are you an Australian resident?
- Can you contribute $10 initially for membership plus an annual $10 fee to training costs – before 30 June each year?
- Do you have reliable internet access for online training?
Onsite roles only
- Are you based in or able to travel to the Port Stephens region?
- Do you have reliable transport? (Public transport to the site is limited)
- Are you available for early morning shifts?
- Are you physically able to perform hands-on tasks?
Working with animals
- Are you comfortable working with sick and injured wildlife?
- Are you able to follow strict biosecurity and safety protocols?
Working with children (education roles)
- Do you hold a current Working with Children Check?
Join our team of 200+ volunteers
Every one of our volunteers started exactly where you are now. Take the first step, and you could soon be doing work that makes a real difference to native local wildlife across our region.
How to get started
Step 1 – Apply
Complete our online volunteer application form.
Step 2 – We’ll be in touch
One of our volunteer coordinators will give you a call to walk you through the next steps.
Step 3 – Online induction
Complete our online induction quiz from the comfort of home.
Step 4 – Onsite visit
Come and see the hospital for yourself and meet the team.
Step 5 – Training
Get trained up in your area of interest, and you’re ready to start contributing.
Interested in a career working with wildlife?
We offer placements at our hospital for secondary and tertiary students. Sharing knowledge improves outcomes for wildlife and inspires the next generation of carers.
Work experience
If you’re a secondary school student with a passion for animal welfare, conservation or veterinary science, work experience with us puts you right in the middle of real wildlife rescue and rehabilitation – working alongside our specialist team and volunteers.
University placements
Completing a CERT II, CERT III or degree in animal care, veterinary science or conservation? A university placement with us gives you practical, hands-on experience in a working wildlife hospital and research centre – caring for koalas and other native animals from rescue through to release.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
As a membership-based organisation, all of our volunteers must be financial members of the Port Stephens Koala and Wildlife Preservation Society. The $10 initial and annual fee covers your membership and is payable once you’ve completed your training.
One of the volunteer coordinators from our koala hospital will give you a call to walk you through the next steps, including completing our online induction quiz, arranging an onsite visit and organising training in your area of interest.
No. You’ll receive a full induction, along with theory and practical training to meet regulatory standards, plus mentoring to build the skills and confidence needed to care for koalas and native wildlife.
Whether you have a few hours a month or several days a week, we work around you. We’re grateful for any time you can give us.
Yes. Some of our volunteer roles can be done from home, including administration, social media, IT and education support. You do need to be on site for roles involving animal care within the hospital and koala sanctuary, rescue, plantations, nursery and site operations.
All koala and other wildlife volunteers complete an online induction quiz before attending an onsite visit and role-specific training. We’ll guide you through every step.
If volunteering outdoors, please bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, along with sun protection, a hat and a water bottle. All volunteers receive a shirt, polo shirt or hi-vis shirt depending on their work area, and additional shirts can be purchased if needed. We also ask that you wear beige long pants, mid-length shorts or a skirt (if working in administration).
Unfortunately, you can’t be a koala volunteer here in Australian unless you’re an Australian citizen.
We want you to be volunteering your time to something you enjoy. If your interests change or you’d like to try something new, just talk to your volunteer coordinator, and we’ll do our best to make it work.
See the impact we’re making
Our impact is measured in many ways, including rescues, recoveries, releases, habitat restoration, community awareness and increased knowledge.
