Volunteering

Long Term

Those who live and work locally and have offered to contribute a certain amount of time per week to the centre. They are required to make a commitment of at least 6 months, with average one shift per week. This is flexible – just get in touch and we will discuss what works for you and us!

Short Term

This usually applies to visitors to the Bunbury region or locals who cannot make a long term commitment and wish to help out for a shorter time period (weeks to months). Due to the time it takes for the volunteer to become familiar with the Centre, we request a minimum of 5 shifts per week for 4 weeks – but we would love to have you stay longer or come back again 🙂

Your shifts can be on any day of the week, but we ask for some weekend and afternoon shifts as well.

There is no fee to volunteer with the Dolphin Discovery Centre, but please understand that we do NOT provide or cover the costs for:

• Transport to Bunbury, Western Australia
• Transport or Accommodation whilst in Bunbury
• Food provisions

Please note that at this time local accommodation close to the Dolphin Centre is limited however we can provide some options & contact details for local hostels, motels, hotels and homestays if requested. Please contact us by email to volunteers@dolphindiscovery.com.au and we will send you what we have.

Volunteers are asked to commit to their work with us and the values of our Organisation

• Support our vision for a world where marine animals are free to swim the oceans without threat of injury or destruction of their habitat.
• Accurately fill out an Application Form including all requested information.
• Attending your rostered shifts or advising if you are unable to attend.
• We are running social and educational evenings on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and would love to have you attend.
• Be open and eager to learn about our local wildlife like dolphins, turtles, and whales and be willing to share it with our visitors from all over the world.
• International Volunteers must have adequate travel insurance before commencing their travels, and ensure the insurance covers them for the period they are with us.
• If you reside in Australia please provide a Working With Children Check (WWCC) or be prepared to apply for it, we can assist and cover the fees. This is to comply with national regulations relating to child safety.

This is where you can help!

• Interacting with our visitors on the beach and boardwalk area, sharing your learned knowledge about Dolphins, Wildlife, and Marine Environment or just have a chat.
• Together with your Supervisor and Team you assist in managing our wild dolphin Interaction Zone during a dolphin visit.
• Assist guests during their visit to our Marine Discovery & Interpretive Centre, showcasing exhibits, interactive displays, our aquarium animals and maintain a neat and tidy standard for everyone to enjoy.
• Monitor and record dolphin sightings and movement in Koombana Bay as part of our Citizen Science and Research Programs.
• If joining our Aquaculture Team you are supporting our Aquarists and marine conservation programs (eg. rescued sea turtles, coral reef propagation, etc.).
• General maintenance, gardening, and housekeeping both inside and outside the Centre as required.
• Participating in any of our coastal care activities. These can be beach clean-ups, strandings, supporting organised exhibitions /events and assisting with any current research projects.
• Once qualified and trained you can become a Swim Tour Volunteer! You will be assisting onboard the vessel and in-water under the guidance of the Swim Tour Host and the vessel skipper.
• Dolphin Eco-Cruise Volunteer! Onboard you will support the vessel skipper by collecting photographs (to identify dolphins and to updated our dolphin database) and educate guests with your accrued knowledge to enhance their experience.

• We are an inclusive organisation welcoming everyone to be involved aged over 16, under that age please contact us by email for consideration.
• As an english speaking country we ask that our volunteers are able to communicate to a conversational level in english but we are also grateful for any foreign languages spoken that will enhance our visitor experience.
• The Dolphin Discovery Centre is an accessible Eco-Tourism destination and we welcome volunteers with special needs.
• Representing the Centre and its values includes wearing a uniform. We cherish a welcoming and professional attire.
• Students and Work Experience placements are outside this Volunteer Program. They are managed under a different scheme so please contact us directly at volunteers@dolphindiscovery.com.au