Register with Outback Links today!
Across remote Australia, people are going days — sometimes weeks — without meaningful connection. By volunteering with Outback Links, you can be the person who shows up for them. And in doing so, you’ll experience a side of Australia most people never see.
Why volunteers are needed now
In Australia’s remote communities, distance isn’t just measured in kilometres — it’s felt in the quiet of a long, empty week.
Life out there can be deeply rewarding. But for many, it’s also profoundly isolating.
Sometimes, what makes the biggest difference isn’t something complicated.
It’s simply showing up.
Far from support
Many people live hundreds of kilometres from essential services and support
Long stretches alone
Social isolation is a real and growing challenge – particularly for older Australians and those living alone
Wellbeing matters
A lack of regular connection can affect mental health and overall wellbeing
Of rural Australians
report feeling lonely
— higher than the national average, and higher still in the most remote areas
What is Outback Links
Outback Links is a Frontier Services program that connects volunteers with people in remote Australia who could do with some company and a helping hand.
Every placement is different, and that’s part of what makes it so special. As a volunteer, you might spend an afternoon with an elderly grazier who hasn’t seen another face in weeks. You might help a family with everyday tasks that have piled up, share a meal, or simply sit with someone and talk.
No two visits are the same. But the impact of each one is very real.
You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to care!
Register your interest
Ready to make a difference? Complete the form below to register your interest in becoming an Outback Links volunteer!
What you’ll get from it
People who volunteer with Outback Links often say it changes them as much as the people they visit. This isn’t a tick-box experience — it’s the kind of thing you’ll still be talking about years later.
“Give it a go! Take your skills and experience and put it out there.
There are people who really need it.”
– Aubon Fernando, Outback Links volunteer
See beyond the map
Real connection
Form real, lasting connections with people who genuinely needed you there
Step outside the everyday
Step out of your everyday life and into someone else’s for a little while
A sense of purpose
Come home knowing your time meant something
Support for volunteers
We won’t pretend getting to remote Australia doesn’t take a bit of planning — it does. But we’re with you from the start.
To help you take that first step, every new volunteer receives a $200 fuel voucher when they complete their first placement — because we want to make it as easy as possible to get out there. Beyond that, we’ll provide guidance, preparation, and ongoing support throughout your experience.
There’s no set schedule or rigid commitment. We’ll work with you to find a placement that fits your life.
Fuel voucher
For every new volunteer after their first placement.
Guidance and preparation
Practical information, planning help and support before you go.
Flexible placements
We’ll help you find an opportunity that suits your availability and preferences.
Ongoing support
You’ll be supported throughout the experience, not just the beginning.
Support for volunteers
Right now, there are people across remote Australia who would light up at a knock at their door. A friendly face. Someone who made the trip. Someone who cared enough to come.
That person could be you. It doesn’t require expertise, a perfectly free schedule, or even that much time. Just a genuine willingness to show up for someone who needs it.
Take the first step. They’ll remember it long after you’ve driven home.
Right now, there are people across remote Australia who would light up at a knock at their door. A friendly face. Someone who made the trip. Someone who cared enough to come.
That person could be you. It doesn’t require expertise, a perfectly free schedule, or even that much time. Just a genuine willingness to show up for someone who needs it.
Take the first step. They’ll remember it long after you’ve driven home.
Frequently asked questions
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.
