Browse study websites

tki-logo-final

A Telethon Kids Institute Website

Discovery Centre
Menu Fundraise Donate
Discovery Centre

    Recommended pages

      Do you mean

        Volunteer

        Do you have a passion for science and research? Are you enthusiastic and energetic? Do you have two hours spare a fortnight? Consider volunteering in the Telethon Kids Discovery Centre!

        Our volunteers play one of the most important roles in our Discovery Centre – they help kids play and understand the games. They are educators, entertainers and sometimes dictionaries. All the games in the Centre are linked to the research being done by the Institute so as volunteers you’ll probably learn something too!

        Our Discovery Centre volunteers have the opportunity not only to work in the Discovery Centre and within the Perth Children’s Hospital, but they can also to attend school incursions, excursions, and school holiday workshops!  As a Telethon Kids Institute volunteer, Discovery Centre volunteers can also attend weekly seminars, workshops, and events hosted by the Institute.

        Come along to our volunteer information session to find out more about volunteering in the Discovery Centre and schools program. You will get the opportunity to learn about the Discovery Centre, partake in a school’s program workshop, and meet some of our team. There will be plenty of time for questions.

        If you are unable to attend the available information sessions, drop us a line at discoverycentre@telethonkids.org.au and the Discovery Centre Team will be happy to help!

        View available sessions

        Please note that you must be over the age of 18 years old and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to volunteer in the Discovery Centre. We are sorry for any disappointment this may cause.

        Become a Discovery Centre volunteer

        Apply now

        Volunteer for the Discovery Centre

        Volunteer for the Discovery Centre

        • What is the Discovery Centre?

          The Discovery Centre is an interactive science centre full of fun games for kids to learn about health and medical research. Check out this video to take a look at some of the games.  

        • Who can volunteer?

          Prospective volunteers must meet the following criteria: 

          • Be aged 18 years or over
          • Be able to commit to at least one two-hour shift per fortnight for at least 12 months
          • Be willing to obtain a Working With Children check
          • Attend any mandatory training, including an orientation session
          • Provide your resume
          • Provide a passport (a picture of the photo page) or documentation displaying you are a permanent resident
          • Be willing to provide vaccination history and have a blood test if required
        • What will a day volunteering in the Discovery Centre look like?

          No day will be the same in the Discovery Centre. You may be asked to assist with a range of tasks from:

            • opening the doors and checking the games are working
            • welcoming visitors and showing kids how to play the games
            • assisting with one of our Discovery Centre + schools program
            • taking the Discovery Centre trolley out and doing activities with patients waiting at PCH clinics
        • How long is a volunteer shift?

          We offer two different shift types. A Discovery Centre shift is two hours and a DC + Schools shift is 2 hours.

        • What times are the shifts?

          Shift times vary depending on bookings in the Discovery Centre. The Discovery Centre is open 9am - 3pm, Monday to Friday with 3 volunteer shifts offered per day.

        • Is there a minimum age to volunteer?

          Yes – all volunteers must be over 18 years of age.

        • What skills do I need to volunteer?

          Our volunteers need to be confident and comfortable interacting with children of all ages and bring a ton of enthusiasm to this role. Previous experience working with children is highly favourable. 

        • Is there much training involved?

          The majority of the training will be provided on the job. You will be asked to attend a mandatory induction and complete hand hygiene training before you start. 

          Have a specific question that’s not answered above? Email Discoverycentre@telethonkids.org.au