OzHarvest Volunteer COVID-19 Updates

COVID Volunteer Update

NSW and ACT

Thank you for your continued support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic! Every day we are able to deliver good food to people in need thanks to your tireless dedication and effort. We understand that COVID restrictions and advice change rapidly, so we’ve put together this page to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t answered by this page, you can contact us at [email protected]

Sydney Volunteer update

Newcastle Volunteer update

Regional NSW Volunteer update

ACT Volunteer update

COVID Volunteer Update

Vic, QLD, SA and WA

Sydney Volunteer COVID Status

The NSW government has released a roadmap out of lockdown. OzHarvest has developed a roadmap in line with these health orders and government instructions.

As always, we remain cautious and have the safety of every person at OzHarvest, their families, households and our community as our priority. And as always, we remain grateful to all of our volunteers for their efforts and contributions to our cause. You are truly amazing humans!

From 18th of October (80% vaccination)

Every person must be fully vaccinated to work (paid or voluntary) on site or while working in the community
Masks remain mandatory for every person on site or while working in the community
Every person must use all QR codes
Physical distance of 1.5 metres must be maintained
Sanitise your hands and surfaces regularly
Two fully vaccinated people permitted in vans together
Approved corporate engagement activities can recommence for the fully vaccinated
Covid Marshalls will remain at sites, checking the above requirements

What has changed ?
The Health Order states that those who remain unvaccinated can not work outside the home, meaning we are not able to permit unvaccinated people to work on our sites.Restrictions will continue to be eased, and we will keep you updated of any changes.

Sydney Emergency Response Volunteering FAQs

Can people under 18 be Emergency Response Volunteers?

No, at this time we are only able to accept individuals over the age of 18 for our Emergency Response Volunteer program.

How long in advance should I sign up for a shift?

You can sign up for a shift at any time, however we would prefer 24 hours’ notice if possible.

Can I attend a shift for only part of the scheduled time?

Unfortunately no, given the crucial nature of our ERV activities we do need volunteers to attend the full duration of the shift they have signed up for.

Where do I find the COVID-19 waiver?

The link to complete the COVID-19 waiver is sent in the email you receive after completing your application. If you have trouble accessing the form, please contact us for an alternate link.

How do I sign up to a shift?

Full details to register for your ERV shifts are in the email you receive after completing your application. Please read this email carefully, as there is very important information within it.

Can I bring a friend?

Anyone who has previously registered to become an emergency response volunteer is welcome to come along to any emergency response activities where there is space available on your personal calendar. At this time, we are not accepting new applications for Emergency Response volunteers, and we ask that you do not bring any unregistered friends or family along to shifts with you.

I’m having trouble signing up to a shift, what should I do?

There are a few common issues for signing up. First, make sure you’ve clicked on a volunteer shift with “Emergency Response” in the title. Second, ensure that the shift you’ve tried to register for isn’t full (shifts can fill very quickly!). Third, please ensure you’ve completed the COVID waiver. If all three of the above have been completed, get in touch with us at [email protected].

What happens if I choose not to become an Emergency Response Volunteer?

If you have selected ‘No I Do Not wish to become an Emergency Response Volunteer’, you will be moved to our waitlist. You will be notified when the regular volunteer inductions recommence for other programs.

Newcastle COVID Status

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Newcastle office! Despite the regional NSW lockdown, volunteers are able to attend shifts outside of their LGA. We ask that all volunteers wear a face mask for the duration of their volunteer activity, and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

Regional NSW COVID Status

Volunteer activities continue as usual across our regional NSW chapters! We ask that all volunteers wear a face mask for the duration of their volunteer activity, and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

ACT COVID Status

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our ACT office! We ask that all volunteers wear a face mask for the duration of their volunteer activity, and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

Queensland COVID Status

Brisbane

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Brisbane office! We ask that all volunteers wear a face mask for the duration of their volunteer activity, and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

Cairns

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Cairns office! While masks are not required, we do strongly encourage volunteers to wear them and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

Toowoomba

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Toowoomba office! While masks are not required, we do strongly encourage volunteers to wear them and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

Gold Coast

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Gold Coast office! We ask that all volunteers wear a face mask for the duration of their volunteer activity, and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

Sunshine Coast

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Sunshine Coast office! We ask that all volunteers wear a face mask for the duration of their volunteer activity, and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

VIC COVID Status

Due to the ongoing lockdown, all volunteer activities have been put on hold in Melbourne.

SA COVID Status

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Adelaide office! We ask that all volunteers wear a face mask for the duration of their volunteer activity, and any volunteer that feels unwell is asked not to attend volunteer activities.

WA COVID Status

Volunteer activities continue as usual at our Perth office! We ask that any volunteer feeling unwell stay home, and all volunteers must check in using the Safe WA app.