Read all the latest news from our work in rural and remote communities.
Outback Links connects passionate volunteers with people in the bush who need practical help. Whether you’re interested in property caretaking, general farm support, or simply sharing a friendly cuppa and conversation, your willingness to connect makes a real difference.
Outback Links connects people in the bush who need practical help with passionate volunteers ready to lend a hand. Whether you need support with property tasks, general farm work, or simply someone to share a friendly cuppa and conversation with, reaching out can make a real difference.
Volunteering with Outback Links offers opportunities to develop practical skills while making a tangible impact.
Many of our volunteers leave with enduring friendships and unforgettable memories.
By getting involved, you’ll see firsthand how your support brings relief and strengthens communities.
Everyone has something special to offer. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and provide the training and support needed to succeed
Assist with daily tasks that keep properties running smoothly.
Offer your time to connect with locals and provide much-needed companionship.
Help out in various capacities where your skills can shine.
Fill out the registration form below to join our team. Once registered, you’ll gain access to our volunteer microsite for detailed program insights, upcoming events, and additional resources.
We have a number of people who need our help in remote Australia. If you’re already registered as a Volunteer and you see an opportunity that you’d like to take on, then we’d love to hear from you.
Are you a Grazier, Farmer or property owner in the middle of hardship? We’re waiting to work with you. Get in touch with us today so we can connect you up with volunteers looking to make a difference.
Outback Links offers a range of meaningful volunteering opportunities, depending on your interests, availability and location.
Year-Round Program
Flexible, one-on-one volunteer placements that are available throughout the year, depending on volunteer availability and current need, rather than set dates.
These placements involve an individual volunteer, a couple, or a small group supporting one property at a time. Opportunities change as needs arise: some placements may be available for longer periods across the year, while others may be shorter or seasonal (e.g. support during harvest or following a particular event).
Year-Round placements focus on practical, everyday support and meaningful connection with individuals, families or communities, with timing and length arranged by mutual agreement.
Group Trip Program
Project-based volunteering with set dates, where groups of volunteers work together to support communities or individuals. Projects may include revitalising shared spaces like halls or gardens, assisting with disaster recovery, or supporting multiple properties within a region.
Speaking Engagements
Opportunities to share your experience and the work of Frontier Services and Outback Links with Uniting Church congregations and community groups. We arrange the engagement and provide speakers with handouts, a presentation and speaking notes as appropriate.
Office Volunteering
For Sydney-based volunteers who would like to support the mission behind the scenes. Tasks may include administration, mailouts, phone calls and data entry.
Frontier Services Ambassadors
Represent Frontier Services at community shows and events, helping share information, answer questions and connect with the public.
Every placement is shaped around the needs of the individual, family or community being supported, as well as the skills and comfort level of the volunteer.
Support often includes practical, everyday tasks such as helping around the house, cooking or gardening, light property maintenance, feeding animals, general property or yard work, or even administrative assistance.
Just as importantly, volunteers offer time, presence and companionship. Life in rural and remote communities can be isolating, and having someone present to listen, share conversation and lend a hand, can be deeply valued. Volunteers support people with empathy, respect and care by simply showing up and walking alongside them.
No. You don’t need prior rural or property experience.
Outback Links volunteers come from many different backgrounds. In most placements, general life skills, and a willingness to support others are all that’s needed. Our team works with you to ensure your placement feels appropriate, comfortable and rewarding.
Placement length varies depending on the type of volunteering, availability and need.
Year-Round placements are flexible and may run for 7-10 days or longer, depending on the nature of the support required. Group trips generally run for 4-10 days and take place on set dates.
All placements are discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Yes. Volunteers will need to provide their own transport to and from the placement location.
We encourage you to plan carefully for travel in rural and remote Australia, including long distances, changing road conditions and higher fuel costs in some areas.
Volunteers are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is registered, insured, roadworthy and suitable for the journey, and that they hold the appropriate licence.
In most cases, yes. Volunteers should plan to be self-sufficient with accommodation, such as a tent, swag or caravan.
That said, many placements do offer accommodation, ranging from basic quarters to a room within the household. Accommodation arrangements are always discussed with you before a placement is confirmed so expectations are clear.
If you bring a caravan, access to power, water and bathroom facilities must be discussed in advance.
Yes – in the first instance, volunteers should plan to bring their own food.
Food arrangements may vary by placement, and in many cases meals can be shared with the household. This will always be discussed with you before your placement is confirmed.
If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, you will need to bring your own food. Please also be aware that access to specialised food items can be limited in rural and remote areas.
Access requirements vary depending on the location and conditions of each property. Some placements may be accessible by standard vehicles, while others may require a 4WD.
These details are always discussed with you before a placement is confirmed and volunteers should only travel in conditions they feel safe and comfortable navigating.
To become a volunteer, you’ll be supported through a simple process that helps us get to know you and ensure placements are safe and appropriate:
Insurance only applies to volunteers who are registered with Frontier Services and are part of one of our recognised volunteer placements.
Volunteers will be covered for:
In the event of personal injury, volunteers are asked to first obtain reimbursement of medical expenses from Medicare. Our insurance will then cover any additional costs above that amount.
Tasks are discussed and agreed upon before each placement, taking into account both the needs identified and what you feel comfortable doing.
Volunteers are never expected to undertake unsafe tasks or use equipment they are unfamiliar with. If something doesn’t feel right, you are encouraged to trust your judgement and speak with the Outback Links team. Your safety and wellbeing are always a priority.
Volunteers should feel physically and mentally prepared for rural and remote environments, which can be demanding at times. However, not all roles are physically strenuous, and many placements suit a wide range of abilities.
If you have any concerns, we encourage an open conversation so we can help find a placement that’s right for you.
To be covered by our volunteer insurance and meet Working with Children requirements, volunteers should be at least 18 years old. From 75 years of age and older, the level of insurance coverage gradually decreases. Existing medical conditions must be declared prior to any involvement with Outback Links.
Outback Links exists to support individuals, families and communities who are experiencing circumstances or pressures beyond what they can reasonably manage on their own. This may be due to personal, health, family, environmental or seasonal challenges, or because access to paid services and local support is limited or unavailable.
Volunteer support is offered in response to genuine need and is intended to provide practical relief, connection and wellbeing. Our focus is on responding with care and flexibility, ensuring support is provided where it can make a genuine and meaningful difference.
These checks help ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. Volunteers often work independently and in close contact with people who may be experiencing vulnerability.
These checks are also required for insurance and funding purposes.
Outback Links volunteers bring a wide range of skills, experience and life knowledge. In most placements, general life skills, common sense and a willingness to help are all that’s needed.
We are continuing to develop training and resources to support our volunteers and strengthen our Outback Links community and will be launching new training opportunities in mid 2026, designed to build capability, confidence and connection across the program.
Before your placement begins, you’ll receive a suggested packing list tailored to the location and type of placement. As access to shops, doctors and pharmacies may be limited, volunteers should bring all necessary food, medications and personal supplies.
No, children are not able to accompany a volunteer on a placement with Outback Links. This is due to insurance and Working with Children Check requirements. Volunteers need to be minimum age 18 years.
In most cases, pets cannot accompany volunteers. Any exceptions must be discussed and approved before your placement is confirmed.
There is no cost to register with Outback Links other than the cost of your National Police Check and Working with Children Check. The costs of these vary from state to state and you will be notified when these checks need to be renewed.
Volunteers cover their own travel, food and personal expenses, as well as the cost of required checks. Occasionally, support recipients may offer a small token of appreciation as a gesture of goodwill, but this is never expected or required.
Frontier Services is committed to reducing barriers to volunteering wherever possible. If costs are a concern, we encourage you to talk with our team.
