Habitat for Humanity Australia

What is Brush with Kindness?
The Brush with Kindness program mobilises volunteers to conduct renovations, landscaping, gardening, and minor repairs to the homes and accommodation of people who are experiencing homelessness, are disadvantaged, recovering from or preparing for disasters or escaping domestic violence. The activity is an opportunity for you to spend time making a life-changing impact in the community for people who are less fortunate, while having some fun getting your hands dirty!

Corporate Volunteering

Booking & Planning Your Day

How can I make a booking?

Volunteering is available in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. Book your preferred day and location via the Corporate Calendar: https://volunteering.habitat.org.au/corporate-calendar.

Each shift will initially appear with a capacity of 1. This means there is one booking available, after you have booked the shift, the capacity will increase to 10 so you can invite your staff to register for the day.

Bookings fill up quickly - often months in advance, so get in quick!

How many people can volunteer each day?
For a contribution of $5,000+GST per activity we can host teams of up to 10 people.
In NSW and QLD we can accommodate larger teams of up to 15 people. To ensure the safety of your team, bookings of this size are required by law to have a second Site Supervisor which incurs an additional contribution of $750 + GST.
Please note: Volunteer numbers must be confirmed with Habitat 4–6 weeks before the activity. We are unable to split shifts (e.g. 10 in the morning, 10 in the afternoon).

When do we need to pay?
After confirming your date and team size, we’ll send an invoice to your main contact. Prompt payment secures your booking.

What to Expect on the day

What does the day look like?

8:45am: Arrival, check in and safety briefing

9:00am: Team begins assigned tasks

Lunchtime: Our community housing partner will share the unique impact of your work, inspiring attendees with stories about the families we support.

4pm: Wrap up & Finish

What should we wear?

Comfortable work clothes (they will get dirty and sometimes paint on them). Long pants are recommended.

Enclosed footwear (work boots are recommended).

We will provide a Habitat T-shirt and cap, tools, equipment and safety protection gear.

What should we bring?

A packed lunch and snacks

Water bottle

Wide brim hat & sunscreen

Is food provided?
No, we ask everyone to bring their own lunch and snacks to site to ensure that every dietary requirement is catered for.

Where will we be volunteering?
The activity will be within 60 minutes of the CBD.
We’ll confirm the exact address and send your Activity Brief via your supervisor 1-2 weeks prior to the volunteer day.
We cannot provide location details earlier as we work with vulnerable communities and must ensure the safety of those we are assisting.

Can we choose the project or location?
No, due to the high level of logistics involved in scheduling activities, we must coordinate project work where there is the greatest need.

How do we get to the work site?

Teams must arrange their own transport. We will send a brief a few weeks prior with project details and suggestions for transport and parking if available.

What level of personal fitness is required?
A volunteering activity usually involves some vigorous physical activity. Team members must be reasonably fit and in good physical health. You are encouraged to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Health & Safety

What are the safety requirements?
We follow strict WHS guidelines and provide qualified supervision to ensure a safe experience for all volunteers and partner families.

Before the day
All volunteers must complete a short online Work Health & Safety (WHS) induction. This is mandatory and must be completed before arrival. A link will be provided once your booking is confirmed.

On the day
Each group is assigned a Site Supervisor trained in Work Health & Safety and First Aid.
You’ll receive a full site induction, including safety and privacy protocols

Contribution & Value: Investing in Impact

Why is there a $5,000 contribution for the day?
This contribution supports a safe, meaningful day for your team and furthers Habitat’s work locally and internationally.
It covers all activity costs, including materials, tools, and supervision, and helps deliver long-term change through our housing programs.
It’s an investment in your team and in communities that need support.

How can we continue the impact after volunteering?
Photos from the day: We’ll take photos and send a downloadable link - perfect for celebrating your team’s efforts and sharing the experience across your channels.
Staff feedback and testimonials: A short survey will be shared with your team to gather feedback and reflections.
Promote your impact: We encourage you to share about your experience and advocate for Habitat’s work. Sharing your story helps raise awareness and inspire others to get involved.

Cancellation Policy

What happens if Habitat cancels the volunteering day?
From time to time we may have to postpone or cancel an activity for reasons beyond our control. If this occurs, we will notify you in advance and will refund your contribution or offer an alternative activity.

What happens if we cancel our volunteering day?
The contribution includes a non-refundable deposit of $1,500.
If an activity is cancelled by your organisation within four weeks before the scheduled activity, we will retain $1,500 to cover program costs already incurred.
If cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the commencement time of the activity, we will retain 50% of the contribution due to the resourcing in preparation for the activity.

Still Have questions?
Contact the team at partnerships@habitat.org.au

Community Volunteering (Individuals)

What tasks will I be expected to complete?
Volunteer tasks vary and are dependent on the immediate need in the communities we serve. The vulnerable families and partners we help across Australia require assistance with a range of different jobs that they cannot manage alone. We will always find something for you to do that is within your capabilities and level of comfort. Teams of volunteers may assist with essential bushfire resilience activities; creating firebreaks and blocking ember entry points; or with renovations, landscaping, gardening and minor repairs.

Who can take part in a Community Volunteering activity?
Anyone aged 15 years and above can take part in a Community Volunteering activity. Those aged 15 - 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no maximum age limit – as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness you will be right at home on a Habitat Community Volunteering Day.

How many days can I volunteer?
You can join us for as many days as you like – from one day per year to 3 or 4 a week! We add plenty of options about a month in advance, so keep an eye on the calendar!

How do you decide who to help?
We work with local partners and community groups who refer projects volunteers may assist based on priority and the need. For the bushfire recovery and resilience program we will help almost anybody who asks for assistance, and who can host a team of volunteers safely.

When will I know the exact address?
Whilst we can tell you the region you will be working in, you will be informed of the exact location roughly 1 to 2 weeks prior to the volunteer day. As we work with vulnerable communities and manage multiple projects this is to ensure the safety of those we are assisting.

What do I need to wear?
Suitable, comfortable work clothes (they will get dirty and sometimes paint on them) and enclosed footwear. Work boots are recommended. A Habitat t-shirt and cap will be provided. Habitat tools, equipment and safety protection gear will be available on site.

Will food be provided?
We ask everyone to bring their own lunch and snacks to site. This is to ensure that every dietary requirement is catered for and COVID safety is practised.

What should I bring to site?
Comfortable work clothes and enclosed shoes (work boots and long pants are recommended), sunscreen, water bottle, wide brim hat, and any lunch/snacks.

Do I have to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to come to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Australia?
HFHA no longer requires community volunteers participating in activities domestically to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status.

What safety issues are involved?
Prior to the day we ask that each volunteer complete a short online Work Health & Safety induction. Habitat for Humanity provides a Site Supervisor trained in Work Health & Safety and First Aid. Each group receives an induction prior to working, informing them of all OH&S and privacy requirements and we adhere to strict policy frameworks to ensure the safety of both volunteers and partner families.

How do I get to the work site?
You will need your own transportation to get to the work site.

Can I bring a corporate group on a day with me?
For corporate bookings, please visit our Brush with Kindness page to see available dates and programs that suit your company’s needs.

What happens if I cancel my volunteer day?
You can cancel your volunteer day anytime. We just ask that you log into the Volunteer Portal account and remove yourself from the day as soon as you know you can’t make it. Late cancellations may result in the day having to cancelled, so please notify us as soon as possible so we can set expectations with the people we are helping.

What personal health and safety issues are involved?
Volunteering activities usually involve some vigorous physical activity. Team members must be reasonably fit and in good physical health. You are encouraged to consult your doctor or regarding your personal health if you have concerns.

Have more questions?
If you have more questions that haven’t been answered above then please call the Volunteering team on 1800 88 55 99 or email us at volunteer@habitat.org.au

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