Welcome to the team

We are a team of people dedicated to and passionate about The Discovery Science and Technology Centre and the role it plays in inspiring scientific curiosity.

Each of us has a different role to play in administration, maintaining the assets or assisting visitors to have a fantastic real life experience.  The Discovery Centre is a non-profit organisation and greatly values the role volunteers play in contributing to our success.

Volunteer Application Form

Interested in volunteering? Fill in this form and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

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Organisation and when you worked/volunteered there
Date you received the qualification, name of qualification, institution where you obtained the qualification
Dates, name of organisation, description of experience

Volunteer Orientation Documents

OUR VISION To inspire and nurture scientific curiosity. OUR MISSION To create an inspiring visitor experience, become an integral part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education pathway in Central Victoria and engage with the community to make Discovery a critical community asset. Our Principles Infectious We share our passion and knowledge of science with enthusiasm. Informative We provide relevant, creative and accurate resources that encourage learning and thought. Accessible We communicate clearly, friendly and respectfully in a non-intimidating environment. Engaging We entertain and intrigue through an involving, personal and flexible delivery of science. Honorary Support The Discovery Science and Technology Centre acknowledges and welcomes the honorary support that appropriately trained and inducted volunteers play in support of the work force. In conjunction with employees, volunteers are critical to The Discovery Science and Technology Centre sustaining its charter. The Discovery Science and Technology Centre Our Organisation Discovery Science & Technology Centre was Australia's first science and technology centre outside a major metropolitan area, opening on 31 October 1995. The concept of a science centre in Bendigo was fostered by the Industry and Education Consortium and was strongly supported by the Government of Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo. This and other significant corporate support allowed the Centre to open in the heritage Railway Goods Building, a building externally restored for the City of Greater Bendigo by Woolworths Limited. The Bendigo Science and Technology Museum Inc. (Discovery) is a not-for-profit incorporated association. It has a Board of Management drawn from industry, education, business and the community. Discovery has a mix of full time, casual and voluntary staff to ensure an effective operation six days per week. The Discovery Centre Discovery exhibits and programs are specifically designed to reach a broad range of visitors. The philosophy which underpins our exhibit design and program development is to educate, entertain and encourage an interest in the sciences for children, as well as to interest and enlighten older members of the community. The Centre houses over 100 individual exhibits, including permanent star attractions the Bendigo Planetarium, Australia’s first vertical slide, Kaleidoscope and The Lab. During school holidays a scheduled program of planetarium and science shows run daily. Other programs include birthday parties and sleepovers, and education programs which run in conjunction with local schools and La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus. Contact Information Discovery Science & Technology Centre 7 Railway Place BENDIGO  VIC  3550 03 54444400 Jonathan Ridnell         manager@discovery.asn.au Clare Dullard         volunteer@discovery.asn.au
Definition of Volunteering Formal volunteering is an activity that always takes place through a not-for-profit organization or project and is:
  • To be of benefit to the volunteer and the community
  • Of the volunteer’s own free will and without coercion
  • For no financial payment or any form of remuneration
  • In a designated volunteer position only
  • Underpinned by the Volunteering Australia 'Principles of Volunteering'
Principles of Volunteering
  • Volunteering benefits the volunteer and the community
  • Volunteering is always a matter of choice
  • Volunteering is an activity that is unpaid and not undertaken for the receipt of a salary, pension, government allowance or honorarium
  • Volunteering is a legitimate way in which citizens can participate in the activities of their community
  • Volunteering is a vehicle for individuals or groups to address human, environmental and social needs
  • Volunteering is an activity performed in the not-for-profit sector only
  • Volunteering is not a substitute for paid work
  • Volunteers do not replace paid workers nor constitute a threat to job security of paid workers
  • Volunteering respects the rights, dignity and culture of others
  • Volunteering promotes human rights and equality
Values of Volunteering Volunteering is usually based on certain key values:
  • Responsibility & accountability
  • Consultation
  • Community & volunteer-initiative
  • Democratic
  • Informal
  • Motivation based
Volunteer Rights As a volunteer you have the right to:
  • Work in a healthy and safe working environment
  • Be adequately covered by insurance
  • Be provided with accurate and truthful information about the organization for which you are working
  • Be provided with orientation at your place of work
  • Be provided with sufficient training for you to perform your duties
  • A position description and agreed working hours
  • Be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the organization in which you are working
  • Be provided with the organization’s volunteer policy and any other policy that may affect your work
  • Not fill a position previously held by a paid worker
  • Have access to a grievance procedure
  • Access your personal information at the Administration Office
Volunteer Responsibilities As a volunteer you need to:
  • Be reliable
  • Respect confidentiality
  • Carry out the specified job description
  • Be accountable
  • Be committed to the organization
  • Undertake training as requested
  • Ask for support when you need it
  • Carry out the work you have agreed to do responsibly and ethically
  • Value and support other team members
  • Provide written notice to your supervisor before you leave your position