Volunteer at Uniting Op Shops.
Looking for a fun and rewarding role that allows you to indulge in your passion for fashion and pre-loved goods, while giving back to the community? If your answer is yes, then we would love to hear from you.
Uniting Op Shops
Flexible op shop volunteer work in Victoria & Tasmania.
Make a difference in your community through flexible op shop volunteer work with Uniting. With more than 20 Uniting Op Shops across Victoria and Tasmania, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in a role that suits your schedule.
If you love fashion, enjoy talking to people, or simply want to give back to your local community, volunteering in an op shop is a rewarding way to make a real impact while meeting new people. Whatever your reason, you’ll be joining a team that makes a genuine difference. Uniting Op Shops wouldn’t exist without the incredible volunteers who give their time, skills, and energy every day. Across Victoria and Tasmania, more than 2,500 op shop volunteers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds help keep our stores running. And every item sold in a Uniting Op Shop helps fund more than 100 community programs and services. Volunteers may want to give back to their local community, learn new skills, make friends or just enjoy doing something they love. With so many services on offer, people can choose how they want to volunteer, contributing in their own way to growing a stronger community.Join 2,500+ op shop volunteers making a real difference
About our op shop volunteer roles
Uniting Op Shops invite you to join our amazing team of volunteers. Our aim is to delight customers in a meaningful and memorable way in a contemporary retail environment that is positive, creative, inclusive and fun! We offer a wide range of op shop volunteer roles to suit different interests, skills, and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for retail volunteering opportunities in Melbourne, want to support your local community in regional Victoria, or are interested in op shop volunteering in Tasmania, there’s a role for you.
Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation and a crucial part of our retail shops. We are flexible and work to accommodate busy volunteers. Full training is provided.
Roles include:
- Customer Service & Sales Floor Roles: If you enjoy meeting people, customer-facing op shop volunteer roles may be a great fit. You'll welcome shoppers, assist customers, process sales, and help create a friendly, inclusive retail experience.
- Sorting, Tagging & Warehouse Roles: Not all op shop volunteer roles involve serving customers. Behind every great op shop is a team sorting donations, quality-checking items, pricing stock, and keeping inventory organised. These roles are perfect for people who prefer practical, hands-on work but would rather stay behind-the-scenes.
- Transport, Logistics & Electrical Testing: Some op shop volunteer roles require special skills. Drivers help collect and deliver donated goods, while volunteers with electrical testing knowledge help ensure donated electrical items meet safety requirements before being sold. These roles play a critical part in supporting day-to-day op shop operations.
Why volunteer at Uniting Op Shops?
Volunteering at a Uniting Op Shops is about giving back, but it’s also about what you gain along the way. From making new friends and learning new skills to staying active and connected to your community, op shop volunteering can be a rewarding experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Most importantly, every hour you give helps fund Uniting programs and services that support vulnerable people across Victoria and Tasmania. It’s a simple way to make a real difference while being part of something bigger than yourself.
You'll receive a 25% discount at Uniting Op Shops. It's a great way to discover unique fashion, homewares, books, and hidden pre-loved treasures while supporting a good cause.
We understand that everyone has different commitments. Whether you can spare a couple of hours each week or would like to volunteer more regularly, we'll work with you to find a schedule that suits your availability. No contribution is too small.
You won't be expected to know everything from day one. Every op shop volunteer receives an induction, role-specific training, and ongoing support from experienced supervisors and team members. We're here to help you feel confident and comfortable in your role. You'll also gain access to Uniting’s online learning platform where you can develop workplace skills that can be valuable both personally and professionally.
Relocating or looking for a change of scenery? With more than 20 Uniting Op Shops across Victoria and Tasmania, you may have the flexibility to volunteer at different store locations.
Every donation sorted, every customer served, and every item sold helps support Uniting's work across Victoria and Tasmania. Revenue from our volunteer op shops helps fund services for people experiencing homelessness, family violence, mental health challenges, social isolation, financial hardship, and many other life challenges. When you become an op shop volunteer, you're helping create positive change that reaches far beyond the store.
How to become an op shop volunteer at Uniting
Search for a role
Browse available volunteer opportunities by location, role type, and time commitment to find a position that’s right for you. Creating an account is quick, secure, and allows you to apply for roles that match your interests. You can also visit your local shop and enquire.
Apply for a role
Once you’ve found a role you’d like to apply for, you’ll complete a simple application form and provide some basic information. The process is straightforward, and our team is available to help if you have any questions.
Notification
Keep an eye out for an invitation to meet your local op shop team. This is a friendly meet-and-greet to learn more about the role, ask questions, meet the team, and see whether the store is the right fit for you.
Start making a difference
Before your first shift, you’ll complete an induction and receive any role-specific training you need. You’ll be introduced to the team and supported by a supervisor or experienced op shop volunteer as you settle into your new role and become part of the Uniting community.
Hear from our op shop volunteers
Every volunteer brings their own reasons for joining Uniting Op Shops, but many share a common experience: finding connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging while making a difference.
Hear the real story
Amber’s story.
Hear the real story
Op Shops, part of the community.
Hear the real story
45 years of volunteering.
Hear the real story
Carol finds new purpose.
Hear the real story
A drive for difference: Jasdeep’s happiness stems from helping others.
Even if you can only volunteer for a few hours, it will still impact your whole life and perspective.
Hear the real story
The heart of business: U Ethical’s community commitment pays dividends.
Volunteering is often seen as part of the soft stuff in business. But it has tangible business benefits in improving team engagement and cohesion.
Hear the real story
From grief to giving back: Camaro’s compassionate calling.
Volunteering is a great way to teach ourselves respect for others. To learn to be a part of the community, not just coasting by as another soul in society.
Hear the real story
From volunteer to valued employee: A second-hand success story.
I was able to turn something that I loved into a job and in an organisation that supports good work.
Hear the real story
Game, set, print: How one match led to a lifelong career.
When the employees with disabilities see that someone like me, in a wheelchair, can do this job and hold a management role it gives them hope.
Hear the real story
Share the warmth this winter.
How you can support us
“We’re seeing a lot of new faces come into Hartley’s. Last year we had over 2,000 different people come through the doors to have a meal with us.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about op shop volunteering
Thinking about applying for op shop volunteer work with us? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from prospective volunteers.
Do I need retail experience to volunteer at an op shop?
No, volunteering at an op shop is a great way to gain retail experience. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide full training and support for all op shop roles.
How many hours per week do I need to commit?
We’re flexible. Some volunteers contribute a few hours each week, while others choose regular shifts based on their availability.
What's the difference between customer service and warehouse roles?
Customer service volunteers assist shoppers and support the sales floor, while warehouse and sorting volunteers process donations behind the scenes. Both roles are essential to the success of our op shops.
Is there an age limit for volunteering at Uniting Op Shops?
No. We welcome volunteers of all ages, with students, working adults, and retirees all bringing valuable skills and perspectives to our teams.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability or accessibility needs?
Absolutely. Uniting is committed to creating inclusive volunteer opportunities and can discuss reasonable adjustments to support your participation.
What happens after I apply?
Once you’ve applied, we’ll guide you through any required checks and arrange a meet-and-greet with your local team. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process so you know what to expect at every step.
Welcoming all communities
Uniting is dedicated to offering services and being a workplace where everyone has a sense of belonging – where everyone feels heard, safe and connected. Uniting recognises that some groups in society face long-standing and continued unfair treatment.
We focus especially on advocating for, and supporting, Australia’s First Peoples, those with visible and hidden disabilities, those who identify as part of the diverse rainbow communities, and those who are treated unfairly because of their culture or racial background.
We acknowledge language is constantly evolving. Language used to describe diverse communities’ changes over time and can differ across cultures and generations. There may also be differences in how individuals use or define these terms.
Ready to volunteer? Join our op shop team today
Every day, more than 2,500 op shop volunteers help create welcoming stores, support their local communities, and fund life-changing programs across Victoria and Tasmania. Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there’s a place for you at Uniting.
Getting started only takes a few minutes. Search current volunteer opportunities, find a role that suits you, and take the first step towards making a real difference.
Learn more about Uniting
Want to learn more about Uniting and the impact your op shop volunteering can make?