Lou’s Place is supported by a dedicated team of more than 100 volunteers, without whom we simply could not keep our doors open.

The impact of volunteering

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Our volunteers generously share their time, talent and energy to help us provide the best possible support to women. Their contribution helps create the warm, welcoming and home-like environment that makes Lou’s Place unique.

Volunteers also help us:

  • offer a wide range of services, activities and specialist programs
  • build strong connections with the wider community
  • access valuable skills, knowledge and resources
  • keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly
  • make the best use of our resources so more can be directed towards supporting women

There are many ways volunteers contribute at Lou’s Place.

Volunteering at Lou’s Place is the best part of my week. The smiles and thankyou’s from the women as we serve up lunch makes my heart sing. I’m proud to have been associated with Lou’s Place over many years and thank the wonderful team who continue to make a difference to the lives of so many women.
– Lisa, Volunteer

In my cooking role it’s all about preparing family style lunches in the kitchen with lots of care for the women to enjoy. It brings the women together, sharing kindness and connection over a meal. It’s so much more than just food. It’s a way of nourishing wonderful women.
– Cooking Volunteer

How volunteers support Lou’s Place


Activities and workshops

Volunteers coordinate a range of creative, therapeutic and wellbeing activities, including art, music, jewellery-making, sewing and yoga. Volunteers may also share their knowledge through practical workshops on topics such as health, wellbeing and budgeting.

We’re always interested in hearing about the different skills, talents and ideas people may be able to share. New activities and workshops are considered based on the interests of women attending Lou’s, as well as the needs and capacity of the service.

Kitchen support

Our kitchen volunteers help prepare and serve lunch each weekday and keep breakfast time stocked, welcoming and running smoothly. They may assist with food preparation, setting up, serving meals, restocking supplies, washing up and keeping the kitchen organised.

Shared meals are a vital part of daily life at Lou’s Place, offering much more than food. They create opportunities for comfort, conversation and connection, and our volunteers help make breakfast and lunch a warm and welcoming experience for women who visit Lou’s.

Behind-the-scenes support

Volunteers also support the day-to-day work of Lou’s Place through administration, cleaning, fundraising, communications, marketing, social media, and other practical tasks.

Whether working directly alongside women or supporting the service behind the scenes, every volunteer plays an important role in the Lou’s Place community.

On a quiet little laneway in Redfern, a wonderful team of women, workers and volunteers care and gently give support to those who need it, a small but mighty energy prevails.
– Nikki, Volunteer

I’ve taught yoga and mindfulness at Lou’s Place for nearly 10 years. Often women arrive stressed, and it’s rewarding to see them relax and leave in a calmer, better space.
— Tessa, Volunteer

Becoming a volunteer

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Volunteering at Lou’s Place is a meaningful way to share your time, talents and enthusiasm as part of a warm and supportive community of women.

Our volunteers make a regular commitment to Lou’s Place, which may be anywhere from once a week to once a month. This consistency helps our service run smoothly and gives volunteers and the women who attend Lou’s the opportunity to build familiarity, trust and rapport over time.

Before joining the roster, new volunteers attend an introductory training session with our staff. This is a chance to learn more about Lou’s Place, how the service operates and what to expect in your volunteer role.

To help us maintain a safe and supportive environment, volunteers are also required to complete a National Police Check and Working with Children Check, and sign a volunteer agreement with The Marmalade Foundation, which operates Lou’s Place.

Interested in volunteering with us? We’d love to hear from you. Please email volunteering@lousplace.com.au to get in touch.

You can also follow Lou’s Place on social media to keep an eye out for advertised volunteer opportunities.

I’ve been volunteering at the Wednesday art class for seven years. It’s been so positive seeing the women’s creativity, and many have become close friends through art and conversation.
— Activity Volunteer

Express your interest in volunteering

Tell us a little about yourself and how you would like to contribute to the Lou’s Place community.

Volunteer EOI Form

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Lou’s Place. Our volunteers share their time, skills and care to help create a warm and welcoming community for women.

Please complete this form to tell us a little about yourself, the type of volunteering you are interested in and when you may be available. We review each expression of interest against our current opportunities and service needs. Submitting this form does not guarantee a volunteer placement, but we will contact you if there is a role that may be a good fit.

Most volunteer roles require a regular commitment. If your expression of interest progresses, you will need to attend an induction and complete the required checks and volunteer agreement before you begin.

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