[grumps]

At the beginning of 2010, my wife and I (both in our late fifties) will be resident in Adelaide for one year where she will be gainfully employed in a primary school on a teacher exchange program. Apart from house husband duties (only the two of us involved) it is envisaged that I will have a lot of time on my hands during school term time. Although I have a visa that permits paid employment and athough I am physically fit I think it unlikely that I will secure employment. Consequently, I would like to know what opportunities are available in the volunteer sector. Does the Local Authority publish a register or the like and if so does anyone know the relevant websites.
We also plan to visit other parts of the continent during the three two week holiday periods available so I was wondering if anyone knows if flight packages are available to cover such an itinerary and if so what are the costs. Thanks in anticipation!!!!

[quincy]

Hi,

I am not sure the kind of work that you want to be involved in, but what comes to mind is the Department of Environment and Heritage. There have volunteers caring for parks, gardens and reserves throughout South Australia. If you are interested in helping out then here is more info:

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/deh/pdfs/80109_volunteer_brochure.pdf


Even if you only have a small amount of time to spare, there are plenty of amazing ways that you can help. Opportunities vary from all-year round projects to seasonal or once-off activities. Popular volunteer projects include:

• Caring for habitats by undertaking planting projects or controlling weeds
• Undertaking annual wildlife and/or vegetation surveys
• Learning and helping to restore fragile heritage sites
• Leading tours, guided nature walks or becoming a campground host


UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide Inc. offers volunteering opportunities in a variety of fields such as working in goodwill (charity shops) or providing home visits for the disabled and elderly. Their brochure gives more details:

http://www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au/volunteers/Volunteers_Information_Guide070509.pdf

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide offers a variety of opportunities for people interested in volunteering.
Volunteers enhance the quality of our services and programs in many important ways, by providing
information, offering support, befriending, or linking people to community services and resources.

WHO VOLUNTEERS?

People of all ages and lifestyles join the Volunteer Staff at UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide Inc., including Business People, Pensioners, Students, Teachers, Parents…. You. UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide will provide personal support and training to help you take up the challenge.


There is also the Australian Red Cross http://www.redcross.org.au/sa/volunteer_opportunities.htm



Flights
A good start for flight information interstate is The Flight Centre. http://www.flightcentre.com.au/
They are a large if not the largest travel agents in Australia and promote themselves strongly on price.

[Cliff]

For a package deal you could try a travel agents such as HarveyWorld http://www.harveyworld.com.au/ . For cheap flights try virgin blue or jet star (Qantas owned budget airline). You get cheaper tickets by booking online in advance. There is also a compare website adioso where you can find bargains. http://adioso.com/au

[grumps]

Thanks Quincyand Cliff. Most useful particulrly the info re conservation work. Great site this!!! Regards