If you can’t find what you’re looking for here you can always send your questions to: volunteers@mardigras.org.au or contact us on 9838 0986.

What is Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras?

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organises the Sydney Mardi Gras which includes over 100 different events, including the world famous Mardi Gras Parade. Sydney Mardi Gras is the world`s premier gay and lesbian social, cultural and sporting festival spanning just over two weeks and presented across the City of Sydney and 5 other local government areas. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a not-for-profit company. In 2010, SGLMG had 9 full-time staff complemented by seasonal contractors and over 1,100 fabulous volunteers!

What can I do to help?

Volunteer opportunities are wide-ranging and varied from event operations to information technology to human resources and logistics. Make sure you check out this website regularly for current volunteering opportunities available for you.

Do I need experience to volunteer?

You may need experience for some volunteer opportunities, while for others we’ll provide all the training that you’ll need. Make sure you read the position details carefully before applying to make sure you’ll be right for the role.

What happens after I apply? The answer for this depends on what role you’ve applied for:

• If you’ve applied for an Event Day volunteer opportunity, you will receive a confirmation email just letting you know we have received your request. As each event then gets closer, we will confirm that you have been placed into a role, and where roles are available in shifts or timeslots, you will be asked to confirm your preferences. Some roles may require more information from you – so always be on the lookout for our emails, and in certain cases, we may even call you. · We always strive to offer every volunteer the role they have requested, though this is not always possible. In such cases, we will contact you and discuss other opportunities that are available, or coming available.
• If you’ve expressed interest in a Working Group or other leadership position, you will need to go through a selection process that reflects the level of responsibility for the position you are interested in. Leadership positions are those that have considerable impact on the organisation, its people, operations and/or events. If you meet the criteria of a position, you’ll be contacted to take part in an interview. The successful applicant will be formally offered a volunteer position for a fixed term.

How do Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras selection procedures work?

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras selects volunteers using a competitive merit selection process. Your selection is based as much as possible on your ability to perform in the position. Every working group position advertisement will contain selection criteria. These are the points that the selection committee will be using to decide which candidate will get the position.

I’m from overseas, can I still volunteer?

Generally, most Australian Visas will allow you to take part in unpaid community based work. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a not-for-profit community organisation, so you won’t be breaking the terms of your Visa by volunteering for us. Of course, if you’re unsure about your Visa requirements, check with your Consulate.

What kind of training will I get?

All of our volunteers take part in an orientation process and will be provided with any relevant training to perform their role. All training is recorded in our databases so that you don’t need to keep doing the training year after year! All event volunteers will take part in an event briefing prior to their event for OH&S induction purposes and receive their final event information.

What are the highlights for volunteering?

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras offers you the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, share and contribute to the organisation, learn about the community and simply have a great time. At the same time, we offer free festival merchandise, invitations to social events and functions, your chance to be recognised in the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Volunteer Awards, discounted and complimentary tickets to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events, and products and services offered by sponsors from time to time.

I heard you can get free tickets to events, is this true?

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has a complimentary ticketing policy for staff and volunteers as a form of reward and recognition for their contribution to the organisation. Board members, staff and working group volunteers receive set rewards for their efforts. Event volunteer entitlements are calculated on a credit basis across the entire season. Every position that you apply for will attract a specific set of rewards. These will be clearly stated in the advertisement for the position. Still, if you’re unsure, ask us!

What if I’m not LGBTQI, can I still volunteer?

Yes! Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is committed to building an organisation that represents the diversity of our community. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Our commitment to diversity means that we are an organisation that embraces difference. At the same time, SGLMG strives to create a workplace where all employees and volunteers enjoy an environment free from all forms of discrimination, intimidation or harassment, including sexual harassment.

Do I get covered if I get injured even though I’m a volunteer?

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras covers all of its volunteers for insurance purposes while they are performing their volunteer duties at one of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events or in any of our offices or workshops. SGLMG is committed to providing a safe workplace to our staff and volunteers in accordance with occupational health and safety legislation.

What if I volunteer for other organisations?

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras fully supports your commitment to any other passion and interest. However, we do ask that your commitment to other organisations is not out of alignment with SGLMG’s values, and that you can meet the time commitments required of your Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras role.