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If you are receiving government benefits in Australia, you may be required to fulfill mutual obligation requirements in order to continue receiving your payments. One way to meet these obligations is by volunteering at an Approved Voluntary Work Organisation like Drug ARM. Not only will you be able to fulfill your obligations, but you will also be giving back to your community and gaining valuable skills and experience.

Drug ARM is a local non-profit organisation that supports people affected by alcohol and other drug issues. We provide a range of services, including counselling, awareness, support groups and our Street Outreach Services. The Drug ARM Op Shop is one of our main fundraising sources, and relies heavily on the support of volunteers to keep running.

By volunteering at a Drug ARM Op Shop, you will be helping to raise money for free programs and services, which directly benefit people in your community who are facing challenges with mental health and substance use.

There are a variety of tasks you can do as a volunteer at a Drug ARM Op Shop. You can help with sorting and pricing donated items, setting up displays, assisting customers, and more.

Not only will volunteering at Drug ARM Op Shop help you meet your mutual obligation requirements, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, get creative and have fun Plus, volunteering is a great way to boost your self-esteem and mental health.

If you are interested in volunteering at Drug ARM Op Shop, the first step is to contact Drug ARM through our website or by visiting us in store at Capalaba or Toowoomba.

We can provide you with information on how many hours and what tasks you need to complete to meet your mutual obligation requirements, and help you prepare the correct forms to lodge with Centrelink/ Services Australia.

To volunteer with Drug ARM, we ask that you complete an application form as well as undertake a Criminal History Check (Drug ARM covers the cost of these).

In summary, volunteering at Drug ARM Op Shop is a great way to meet your mutual obligation requirements while giving back to your community and gaining valuable skills and experience. If you are looking for a place where your contribution and life experience are valued that understands the flexibility you may require, get in touch with us.

You’ll be making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Volunteer work offered by an Approved Voluntary Work Organisation such as Drug ARM can be included as part of meeting mutual obligation requirements.

Drug ARM Op Shop volunteers are able to include this work as part of their approved activities.

Drug ARM Op Shop Capalaba

Shop 25/ 200 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba

  • Monday, currently closed but looking for volunteers
  • Tuesday – Saturday, 9am to 4pm
  • Sunday, 10am to 2pm

Drug ARM Op Shop Toowoomba (Centenary Heights)

Southtown Shopping Centre, 138 South St, Centenary Heights

  • Monday – Friday, 9am to 4pm

You can meet your mutual obligation requirements by completing 30 hours per fortnight of approved voluntary work. Many volunteers choose to split this in to 15 hours per week.

Drug ARM has printed copies of the forms you will need to submit to Centrelink/ Services Australia at our Op Shops.

Depending on how long you have accessed payments, you may have a different requirement.

Over 12 months on payment

You can meet your mutual obligation requirements by completing 30 hours per fortnight of approved voluntary work. Many volunteers choose to split this in to 15 hours per week.

Under 12 months on payment

You can meet your mutual obligation requirements by completing:

  • A combination of paid and voluntary work with a minimum of 15 hours paid work per fortnight. Many volunteers in this arrangement choose to volunteer one day per week; or
  • 30 hours per fortnight of approved voluntary work (special approval from Centrelink is required for this arrangement).

Drug ARM has printed copies of the forms you will need to submit to Centrelink/ Services Australia at our Op Shops.

If you are a principal carer (the main care provider of a dependent child under 16), you can meet your mutual obligation requirements by completing 30 hours per fortnight of approved voluntary work.

However, you need to talk to Centrelink/Services Australia about it and they must agree the work is suitable for your situation.

If you aren’t sure, you are always welcome to drop in to a Drug ARM Op Shop with any questions you have before talking to Centrelink/ Services Australia.

Absolutely! To volunteer you will need to meet the Store Manager, fill out an application form and undergo a National Police Check (at Drug ARM’s expense).

You could be volunteering within a week!

To become a volunteer you will need to:

  1. Contact Drug ARM by visiting us in store, calling us on 1300 656 800 or filling out an enquiry form on our Contact Us page
  2. Complete a short interview with your local Store Manager to see if volunteering at the Op Shop is a good fit
  3. Complete an application form and a National Police Check (Drug ARM pays for this), and provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination
  4. Come in for a trial shift and then be scheduled on the regular roster
  5. Have fun!

If you need assistance at any point in this process, talk to our friendly support services team by calling us on 1300 656 800.

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