School Holiday Volunteer Program
Bendigo Health is incredibly proud of our School Holiday Volunteer Program. After commencing in 2019 as an initiative to encourage young people into volunteering, this program has expanded to so much more.
Winning the 2025 Victorian Healthcare Volunteer Team of the Year Award for its innovation and partnership, our student holiday volunteer program is based on a model of collaboration and support.
Our volunteers play a significant role as a buddy with students, helping each to learn in a supported environment while gaining genuine and lived experience of volunteering within a complex healthcare service environment.
The program runs during the two week breaks between school terms (excluding Christmas Holidays).
Participating students are provided an immersive experience of volunteering alongside a current volunteer for three consecutive days. Starting with an orientation/introduction to volunteering in health on day one, students are then paired with experienced volunteers and are expected to mirror the role, tasks, and level of care provided by our volunteers. Throughout the three day program, students have the opportunity to rotate through a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings - subject to availability - giving them a broad view of healthcare settings and potential career pathways.
Clinical areas may include; the Emergency Department, Discharge Lounge, inpatient wards, clinics, Palliative Care and Residential Aged Care.
Non-clinical areas may include; Volunteer Services, People and Culture, Health Information Services, and the Education Department.
Students may also have the opportunity to assist with Foundation and Fundraising events, if scheduled during their placement.
Bendigo Health is a collaborative partner with Latrobe University’s Aspire program. We know the experience of supporting and giving to community activities transforms people’s lives, shapes their connections, inspires their curiosity and enhances their interests. All of which gives way to more engaged learning.
To qualify for the program students must:
- Be in Year 9 or above.
- Either live and/or attend school in Greater Bendigo
- Complete the application form
- Have parental approval and provide contact details
- Have an attitude to support excellent care and service to all
- Be willing and available to participate in all days/times of the program
To ensure as many students as possible are able to access the program, students will be limited to participate in a maximum of two School Holiday Programs.
Upon completion of the program each student will receive a certificate of participation and volunteer hours completed in preparation for future Latrobe Aspire Applications.
Bendigo Health is an ASPIRE partner with Latrobe University (Early Entry to University | Aspire | La Trobe University). The Aspire Early Offer Program may give secondary school students the option to secure an early conditional offer to Latrobe before finishing Year 12.
Due to limited places available in each program, early application is strongly recommended. Applications will be accepted on a first-in basis, regardless of the advertised cut-off date.
For more information about the School Holiday Volunteer Program, please contact the Volunteer Services team on 5454 7639 or email [email protected]
To apply, please complete and return the form below.
Volunteer application form
Dates
2026 program - application dates to be confirmed
Term 1
Tuesday 7 April 2026 – Thursday 9 April 2026 - FULLY BOOKED
Monday 13 April 2026 – Wednesday 15 April 2026 - FULLY BOOKED
Students accepted into the Term 1 Program will be contacted early 2026.
Term 2
Monday 29 June 2026 – Wednesday 1July 2026 - FULLY BOOKED
Monday 6 July 2026 – Wednesday 8 July 2026 - FULLY BOOKED
Term 3
Monday 21 September 2026 – Wednesday 23 September 2026 - ALMOST FULLY BOOKED
Monday 28 September 2026 – Wednesday 30 September 2026 - ALMOST FULLY BOOKED
*Submitting applications for term programs in advance is recommended due to demand.