Volunteer at Story Factory Bidwill — our new creative writing centre

Weekdays at 3:45pm-5:45pm

We are bringing the magic of Story Factory to the Bidwill, Mount Druitt community with a new creative writing centre.

Join us as a volunteer working with local young people to explore their creative ideas, build confidence, and nurture a love of writing through fun, engaging activities. No teaching experience or writing expertise is needed — just a passion for helping young people to find and share their voices.

Why volunteer at Story Factory Bidwill?

• Help young people find their voice and build confidence through meaningful interactions
• Volunteer locally for as few as two and a half hours a week
• Build your skills in an education environment, working with young people from diverse backgrounds 
• Experience the joy of seeing young minds light up through hands-on creative writing activities
• Access transport support through petrol or Uber vouchers

Commitment:

Term-long workshops: We require volunteers to attend a workshop on at least one day per week, for the duration of a school term (usually 7–9 weeks). This involves approximately 2–4 hours each week on the same day and time, making it ideal for volunteers who can free up a set time and day in their schedule.

One-off Workshops: We also offer one-off workshop opportunities to volunteers who require some flexibility. These workshops run on an ad hoc basis throughout the year, including during school term and school holidays. Each workshop lasts for approximately 2-4 hours.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT STORY FACTORY BIDWILL

In-School Volunteering

Mondays – Fridays

Between 8:30am – 3:30pm

Our school workshops are run in classrooms across Greater Sydney. Led by trained educators (Storytellers) and supported by volunteer tutors, these workshops empower students to find their voice and create their very own unique pieces of work. 

Volunteer tutors provide essential support and encouragement, helping to nurture the voices, stories and dreams of young people, who are empowered to create stories of all kinds, which we publish and celebrate.

Our Volunteer Tutors: 

• Work in small groups or one-to-one to complete writing activities set by the Storyteller
• Provide encouragement, writing support and prompting where needed
• Create safe spaces where students can share their ideas 

To be a Volunteer Tutor, you don’t need to have teaching experience, you just need to be: 

• Reliable 
• Enthusiastic
• Encouraging
• Supportive
• A good listener
• Flexible 

Qualifications or experience in working with young people is not an essential requirement. We provide relevant training and support where needed.

Commitment:

In-school workshops (Term Long): We require volunteers to attend a workshop on at least one day per week, for the duration of a school term (usually 7 – 9 weeks). This involves approximately 2 – 4 hours each week on the same day and time, making it ideal for volunteers who can free up a set time and day in their schedule.

In-school workshops (One-Offs): We also offer one-off workshop opportunities to volunteers who require some flexibility. These workshops run on an ad hoc basis throughout the year, including during school term and school holidays. Each workshop lasts for approximately 2-4 hours.

See the full position description here.

SIGN UP HERE

Behind-the-Scenes Volunteering 

Between 9:00am – 5:00pm at our Redfern and Parramatta locations

Also offered remotely (flexible timing)

Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers play a vital role in getting the stories of young people out into the world. Every task, big or small, contributes to delivering an enriching experience for them.

In-centre volunteers may: 

• Type up student work
• Provide copy editing and feedback on student work
• Assist with publication support
• Prepare workshop materials
• Provide admin support

Remote volunteers may: 

• Type up student work
• Provide copy editing and feedback on student work
• Provide admin support
• Transcribe recordings

To be a Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer you need to be: 

• Reliable 
• Punctual
• Well-organised

Commitment:

Ad hoc: Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers commit to helping out whenever opportunities come up throughout the year. This opportunity suits volunteers who would like to commit to flexible volunteering and the commitment is anywhere between 2-4 hours each session. Volunteers can sign up to as many behind the scenes opportunities that suit. 

See the full position description here.

SIGN UP HERE

Internships, Placements and Work Experience

Story Factory can assist with:

• Duke of Edinburgh International Award hours
• Year 10 work experience
• Internship placements
• University placements