Australia-Wide Reach • Volunteer-Powered • Handmade Impact • Practical Support
Join Our Volunteer Family
At Sewing for Charity Australia, volunteers are the heart of our mission. Every stitch, every hour, and every effort brings comfort and hope to individuals and communities across the country. Your time and creativity can make a meaningful difference.
Whether you’re an experienced sewer, a beginner eager to learn, or simply someone who wants to lend a helping hand, there’s a place for you here. Volunteering isn’t just about sewing, it’s about compassion, connection, and being part of a community dedicated to giving back.
Getting involved is simple, all you need to do is sign up using the form below. Once you join, you’ll be part of a warm and supportive group, working together to spread kindness one project at a time.
Do you need help with a project?
Fact Sheet
Do I need to register?
There’s no need to register – just send your handmade creations whenever you’ve ready. We’re always so grateful for your support and the time you put into making them!
Do I need to prewash my fabric?
Yes please! Fabric should be pre-washed (hot wash, or cold wash then hot dryer) before cutting. This removes excess dye and chemicals, and pre-shrinks the fabric. If you’re in a drought area and can’t wash it, just pop in a note and we’ll wash it before donation.
What items do you need the most?
Whilst we gratefully accept “any handmade items any time”, there are some things that are requested more frequently than others. Visit the Projects page on our website for the most up to date information on what is needed.
What patterns do I use?
If a project requires a specific pattern you will find it on the projects page. Otherwise you are free to use any suitable pattern of your choice.
Do I pay my own costs?
In short, yes. As we don’t receive regular funding, volunteers usually cover their own costs. If this creates a burden, we’re happy to chat about options and may be able to help with postage materials when funds allow.
Where do I send my donations?
Deliver in Person(when open):
The Sewing Lair
4/29 Logan River Road Beenleigh Q
or
4/51 Avison St Moorooka QMail to:
38 Bladensburg Dr Waterford Q 4133
Background
Mutual obligation requirements are tasks and activities you agree to do when you get some types of payments from Centrelink.
Am I eligible to complete my hours with SFCA?
Australian residents registered with Services Australia who have mutual obligation requirements may complete eligible volunteer roles within our organisation.
Can I volunteer from home?
Live near a Lair? We ask that you join us for a minimum of one 5 hour shift each week. You can do the rest of your hours from home. Not local? No worries – our remote system means you can still volunteer with us from anywhere in Australia!
How do you confirm my hours?
If you volunteer in person, your hours are simply the time you spend on site. For those sewing from home, we count your hours based on the items you make and send in to us, using fair time estimates for different skill levels. We know everyone works at a different pace, and that’s okay! This just helps us keep accurate records and continue offering approved volunteer opportunities.
Do I pay my own costs?
In short, yes. As we don’t receive regular funding, volunteers usually cover their own costs. If this creates a burden, we’re happy to chat about options and may be able to help with postage when funds allow.
Still got questions?
Get in touch!
volunteer@sewingforcharity.comReady to get started?
- Download and complete the Voluntary Work Verification of Voluntary Work form (SU462) obtainable from the Services Australia site.
- Send the completed from to Sewing for Charity Australia via email volunteer@sewingforcharity.com
- We will complete our section and return it to you via email
- Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to negotiate suitable volunteer activities dependent on your location
- Mutual obligation Volunteers must complete a MO Reporting Form each fortnight via our website. The link will be provided to you when you star with us.
This MO Reporting Form provides us with details of:
- The activities you have completed. (eg knitted for 8 hours, volunteered at the shop for 10 hours, sewed scrunchies for 12 hours)
- Your total hours for the two weeks (eg 30 hours)
- Any exceptions or exclusions (if applicable eg medical certificate approved by Services Australia)