Corporate Volunteering

We have received valuable support over the last few years from a number of Corporate Companies in a wide range of areas, both project driven and also in support work as well as maintenance of our grounds.  This relatively new area of Corporate Social Responsibility is a key focus area we hope to build on, forming valuble partnerships with both local business and Corporate entities providing both education and opportunity for organisations to gain an insight into the Not for Profit world.  Please contact us if you have a Corporate Social Responsibility program you wish to discuss.

       or      03 9760-8217

We would like to thank the following Corporate entities for their valuable and ongoing contribution to the work we do at Melba;

• Goldman Sachs JBWere
• Elite Customer Solutions (A Division of BP )  

Tertiary Education Student Placements

We support a number of student placements ranging from 60 hours up to 400 hours.  If you require

a placement please consult with your tertiary institution and contact us for an interview.

       or      03 9760-8217

Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is a way in which you can make a real difference in someone's life and at the same time learn and develop new skills for yourself - Amazing! There are so many ways you can assist - Providing one on one support, by reading, going for a walk or even just having a conversation can make all the difference in someone's life, particularly if they have no family contact or circle of support.   A simple act such as attending a swimming or shopping trip in a group would also assist. We will supply training and ongoing support if you could spare some time - a few hours either during the week, weekends or at night.   Contact us for an informal interview and download the attached form.   A Police check is required by law for all volunteers in the disability industry.

  Registration Form Volunteers.doc

Volunteering - Allan and Nola's story

"We've been volunteering at Melba for over seven years now and just love walking in on a Wednesday morning to see everyone's bright and friendly faces. We go swimming each Wednesday with Amanda, Tracy, Matt, Caroline, Paul, Dan, Michael and Aaron and also have some really great friendships with each of the guys and staff."

"We responded to an advertisement in the local paper, not sure what we could really offer, but everyone made us feel so welcome when we walked in. From that ,moment we just fell into helping out with going swimming every week as well as with special events such as going to the races and haven't looked back!" .  We enjoy every moment."

Allan and Nola have become valuable members of our team and they provide opportunities to staff and people attending our services to live an every day life.  It doesn't take much to be a volunteer, you don't need experience,just a spare few hours or so, empathy and to be willing to give it a go.

"A Life Changing Experience"

We at Melba are constantly looking for volunteers.  These are special people who make such a huge impact on the people we support by providing the opportunity to live out their dreams and expectations.  As a result of our ongoing search for volunteers we decided to become part of the Corporate volunteering sector and commenced dialogue with a large Corporate entity located in South Melbourne.  The staff from this Company are involved in a "Community Week" every year where the staff of in excess of 300 go out into the community and volunteer their services to a diverse group of organisations.  At the end of the week they hold a function to reflect on the week's activities and learnings and friendships made.  As a result of these volunteer efforts, one of the staff wrote a very touching story about his experience at Melba.

"Thursday morning I woke up with a sense of resignation..  I had hoped to go back to the organisation I went to for my Community Day last year.  Melba Support Services could have been on the moon for all I knew and I didn't really want to go.

Twelve of us set off from our Company Office in the mini bus, this being the fourth group to visit Melba this week.  We were all a bit subdued and not sure what to expect working with a disability organisation.  It was about one hour's drive and took us into a different world of winding roads and gum trees.

As it turned out Melba operates a day service for intellectually disabled adults, some with severe physical disabilities as well.  Like most people I had never had much to do with this type of situation.  Upon arrival, the support workers, carers and staff made us so welcome that it was impossible not to feel a buzz, apparently volunteers are as scarce as hens teeth in this industry and are really valued people.

Whuu rrr yuuu?  The voice was loud, slow and almost slurring.  There was a significant pause and then Whyyy rrr yuuuu here?  I must have been backing away as I felt the wall against my back.  Our General Manager (also one of the volunteers) bore silent witness, I would need to improve my communication skills in a hurry or I was in for a bad day.

Deployed to the picnic crew, an outing in honour of the help of volunteers on the day, we set off to take a group of eight to Lysterfield Lake.  I had most to do with two people who attend Melba.  Both are wheelchair bound and neither could perform even the most necessary tasks unaided.  They could not speak, in fact they could barely move and yet somehow they were able to communicate their feelings and wishes.

As I took one of them for a spin around the park amongst the other picknickers, it was like we had become invisible.  Not one person acknowledged or made eye contact with us and I wondered if she knew or if it made her feel sad.  This really bothered me.

Something obviously delighted the other person I was assisting as he was lowered onto the sand at the lake.  His laughter sounded like a happy seal.  He obviously loved staring at the trees and feeling the breeze on his face.  He laughed when the support worker and I tickled him and I could see a wonderful personality shining through.

It was a wonderful day spent with people whose bodies may have given up, but their personalities, humour and courage left me feeling humble and, as we left them enjoying someone's birthday party, I took away the sincere hope that I never again have the audacity to complain about anything in my life.

The Carer's were a diverse group, some were young, some older, all were caring and kind and some of the most dedicated people I have ever met.  They need a hand to make things a bit better and I for one intend to go back to Melba.  It was a reflective trip home on the bus, but I had done something important, something worthwhile, made some wonderful friendships, we all had and it was a really good place to be.