Workplace Volunteering

Come and be a community farmer for a day.

Join us for a day of meaningful work at one of our three Melbourne community farms.

As a workplace volunteer, you’ll help us plant seeds, tend crops, build soil and make these green city-spaces flourish.

Come and reconnect with land and food, feed local families in need and help us build a fairer food system for all.

Why choose a community farm for Workplace Volunteering?

Enjoy a green space full of food, flowers, birds & bees

Share stories and bond together as a team

Learn about gardening and sustainability from an expert

Help build a healthier and fairer food system

What does a Workplace Volunteering session look like?

While all of our sessions are customisable, generally a morning or afternoon session includes a tour of one of our Melbourne farms, two activities, and a refreshment break with locally made sweet and savoury treats catering to dietary needs .

Sample morning session

10:00am - 10:20am

Welcome to the farm, Acknowledgement of Country, safety and induction.

10:20am - 11:30am

Farm tour and hands-on activity like preparing vege beds, planting out pollinator gardens or sowing seedlings.

11:30am - 12:00pm

Morning tea with locally made treats.

12:00pm - 1:10pm

Hands-on activity like preparing compost, construction or tending plants (watering, weeding or pruning).

1:10pm-1:30pm

Debrief and reflections.

Pricing

Rates for a half-day workplace volunteering experience at one of our Melbourne community farms include:

Up to 10 people - $1,100 (+GST)
11 – 20 people - $2,000 (+GST)
21 – 30 people - $2,900 (+GST)
31 – 40 people - $3,400 (+GST)
41+ people - please contact us for pricing

Booking considerations

We have a minimum booking rate of $1,100 to support the program's sustainability.

Large group workplace volunteering experiences will only available at Bundoora Park farm (North Melbourne).
Morning sessions run from 10:00am – 1:30pm. Afternoon sessions run from 1:30 – 5:00pm. Longer sessions are available on request.

Have a question?

Come prepared to get a bit dirty! Old clothes are recommended and covered footwear is a must.
You’ll be working outside throughout the session - so sun, wind and rain protection is recommended. While we do provide refreshments, personal water bottles are also useful on a particularly hot days.
Refreshments (water, tea, coffee and locally made snacks), all tools and gloves for your whole team.
All of our sites have ample parking nearby – either in free-to-park lots or on-street. We’ll share more details and directions on registration. If you are intending to use public transport, please let us know.
Absolutely. All sites have undergone a thorough risk assessment, are free of animals and livestock and we don’t use any power tools or nutrient solutions (e.g. sprays) during your session. We do use some tools with a sharp edge, but training is available for those who need it. Every session also starts with a safety briefing.
Yes, our refreshments and snacks include a variety of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and milk options.
Yes, although some farms are better suited than others. If your team has specific accessibility needs, let us know on registration.
Yes, all farms have a toilet.
Yes, we’re used to working with a camera team to get the best shots for your group.
Some farms and tasks are more suitable in light wet weather than others (e.g. sowing seeds indoors). If we do have to postpone your day due to weather, we’ll work with you to find an alternative date. If that isn’t possible, we’ll refund your deposit.
Our three community farms are in North Melbourne, they are Oakhill Food Justice Farm, True Leaf Alphington and Bundoora Park Farm.
Yes. Your deposit is fully refundable if you cancel more than three weeks ahead of your day.
Yes. To secure your corporate volunteering experience, we’ll ask for a 30% deposit.
We’d be happy to answer it at cv@sustain.org.au

“Fantastic passion for educating around First Nations culture and connection to land and environment.”

“Today raised my awareness of what I could do myself.”

“Tasting salt bush and other herbs was a bonus!’”

“I now have my own flower bed and am growing strawberries, raspberries, chilies, tomatoes, coriander, basil, mint and rosemary!”