Volunteer with NASCA
Charity volunteering is a great way to get involved with NASCA, and an even greater way to gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal Culture, our Countries, and communities.
Join NASCA in supporting more than 450 young people every year, in nine remote communities across the Northern Territory.
NASCA has three volunteer intakes a year, and applications are considered based on skills and qualifications that fit the needs of the communities and schools we work with.
Northern Territory Program
Volunteer in Indigenous communities
Volunteers help deliver our school-engagement program in the Northern Territory. Spend a week volunteering in an Aboriginal community providing in-class support, and delivering sports, health, mentoring, and personal development activities that help young people stay in school, build their skills and pursue their ambitions.
By community, for community
Over many years, NASCA has built deep relationships with the schools and families in the Northern Territory communities we serve. Our program is designed and delivered by community, for community. They decide what we do and how we do it – because Aboriginal communities know what is in their best interest.
Who we look for
We look for skilled individuals with specific qualifications that fit the needs of the communities and schools we work with. Volunteers need to:
- be 21 years and over
- have experience working with children
- have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- be able to inspire and motivate young people
- be a team player
- demonstrate healthy life choices
- demonstrate interest in and knowledge of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
“Working with NASCA is an experience that every Australian should have. It’s a powerful and extremely rewarding journey that gives a greater understanding and respect for remote Indigenous culture. Even as an Aboriginal man, I learnt so much about the work being done and what more we can all do to help.”
About volunteering with NASCA
Charity volunteering is a great way to give back. We recruit volunteers to help us deliver our school engagement program across nine remote communities in the Northern Territory. We visit these communities three times a year and recruit volunteers in the lead-up to each trip.
We look for skilled individuals with specific qualifications that fit the needs of the communities and schools we work with. Volunteers need to:
- be 21 years and over
- have experience working with children
- have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- be able to inspire and motivate young people
- be a team player
- demonstrate healthy life choices
- demonstrate interest in and knowledge of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
We advertise our recruitment intakes on our website and social media. Keep an eye out for the next call-out.
Our next Northern Territory volunteer intake is in May 2027, and applications open on Monday 7 December 2026.
We will run 3 intakes in 2027:
- May 2027 intake: Applications open Monday 7 December 2026
Week 1: May 8 – May 15
Week 2 May 15 – May 22 - August 2027 intake: Applications open Monday 15 March 2027
Week 1 – August 14 – August 21
Week 2 – August 21 – August 28 - October 2027 intake: Applications open Monday 24 May 2027
Week 1 – October 23 – October 30
Week 2 – October 30 – November 6
All volunteers are required to attend an induction session around 3 weeks before their trip. We’ll confirm the details closer to the date.
If you’ve missed our latest volunteer intake, you can sign up to our volunteer newsletter to hear when applications open for the next one. We’ll let you know as soon as applications open, so you’re ready to apply.
We currently partner with nine remote communities across the central desert and Macdonnell regions of the Northern Territory. These communities are:
Laramba (Napperby), Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Epenarra (Wutunugurra), Papunya (Warumpi), Yuelamu (Mount Allan), Canteen Creek (Owairtilla), Titjikala (Tapatjatjaka), Finke (Aputula), and Mt Liebig (Watiyawanu).
Our volunteers spend one week in community delivering our intensive school engagement programs.
Yes. We recruit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous volunteers for our Northern Territory Program. We specifically look for people who can demonstrate an interest in, or knowledge of, issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, as well as those who have specific skills and qualifications that fit the needs of the communities and schools we work with.
NASCA conducts intensive volunteer screening including AFP and NT Working With Children Checks. Recorded offences may affect your ability to take part in the program. Your place is subject to clearances and NASCA’s approval.
Yes! We also have volunteering opportunities across our NSW programs, from Sydney and the Illawarra to the Hunter, Northern NSW and Western NSW. These include supporting NASCA and community events, sharing your skills with our students, and getting involved in mentoring and pathways activities.
Opportunities in NSW vary throughout the year depending on our programs and events. To be the first to hear when new roles become available, sign up to our volunteer newsletter here. If you have an idea for how you’d like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you at volunteer@nasca.org.au
Please email volunteer@nasca.org.au
