Help your community, one book at a time
Volunteering with Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli’s book team is a simple and fun way to support your local community.
Whether you’re helping behind the scenes at the Book Depot, working in our Book Shop, or bringing the buzz to our much-loved Book Fairs, every role plays a part, and every book sold provides funding to our crisis support and local suicide prevention services.
Why become a book volunteer?
Volunteering with us is a rewarding way to connect with others, engage with your local community, and help us provide compassion, care, and support to those in our local community who need it most.
When you become a book volunteer, you’ll get to:
- Be part of a local initiative that directly funds crisis support and suicide prevention services in your local community
- Meet like-minded people and build meaningful community connections
- Enjoy a hands-on, social volunteering experience
- Choose flexible opportunities that suit your schedule
Ways you can get involved
Book depot volunteer
Join our friendly team at the Lifeline Book Depot in Brookvale and help prepare for our iconic book fairs. You’ll sort, organise and price donated books, puzzles, games and more — playing a vital role behind the scenes. It’s a relaxed, social environment where you can volunteer regularly on a day that suits you.
Book fair volunteer
Be part of the energy and excitement of our popular Lifeline Book Fairs. From setting up and restocking tables to assisting customers or handling sales, you’ll help bring a vibrant community event to life. It takes around 150 volunteers to run each book fair, so we always welcome new helping hands. With flexible shifts available, it’s an easy way to get involved and make an impact.
Book shop volunteer
Do you enjoy retail and books? Volunteering at our Lifeline Book Shop in Neutral Bay could be just the thing for you. You’ll assist customers, sort and display stock, and create a welcoming space for the community. It’s a great opportunity to build retail skills while connecting with others.
Student volunteer
Gain valuable experience while giving back to your community. As a student volunteer, you can help with setting up Book Fair events, assisting customers during the fair, and packing down at the end. It’s a fun way to get involved, meet new people and contribute to an event that helps fund vital crisis support services in your community.
Frequently asked questions
Who can volunteer?
Volunteering opportunities are open to people from all backgrounds who are aged 18 and over. Specific roles may have additional requirements depending on the nature of the work. If you’re under 18, consider becoming a student volunteer instead.
How much time do volunteers need to give?
As much as you’d like. If you want a regular volunteering opportunity, consider a shift at our Book Shop or Book Depot. If you’d like to volunteer but need flexibility, helping out at a Book Fair could suit you best.
What support will I receive?
Volunteers are supported through training, induction sessions, ongoing guidance and the chance to connect with a community of other volunteers. You’ll build new skills and relationships while making a positive impact locally.
How do I get started?
Begin by submitting an expression of interest. From there, we’ll be in touch to guide you through the next steps, including training and role options.
I'm not an Australian citizen. Can I volunteer?
Maybe—you must be eligible to volunteer in Australia in accordance with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) guidelines. If you’re not an Australian citizen, please ensure your visa type allows you to volunteer. It’s your responsibility to ensure you’re eligible to volunteer in Australia before you contact us.
For more information, please visit DHA’s website at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Local support, supporting locals.
Every book donated, sorted and sold helps fund Lifeline’s crisis support services for people needing connection and support. As a book volunteer, you’re not just giving your time—you’re helping ensure someone in your community has somewhere to turn when they need it most.
Ready to get started?
If you’re interested in becoming a book volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Start your application today by filling out the form below.
