Volunteers

Royal South Street Society Volunteers

The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod has been supported by volunteers of all ages since 1891. To this day, volunteers are integral to the planning, welcoming environment and success of the annual Eisteddfod!

Our volunteers immerse themselves within the various disciplines of the Eisteddfod from June to October each year. They play a vital role in welcoming our entrants, schools and families and ensuring the smooth running of events; some days this can mean up to 80 volunteers are rostered in a range of roles to run the sessions.

Our Royal South Street Society volunteer program is proudly supported by Ingenia Lifestyle, Michael Unwin Wines, Country Casseroles, Hecho En Mexico, and Mars Wrigley.

Expression of Interest Form

Royal South Street Society Volunteers are

Who Can Become a Royal South Street Society Volunteer?

Teenagers*, students*, young adults, retirees, singles and couples.

We ask volunteers to make a commitment to complete FOUR rostered shifts, however, we have found volunteers enjoy immersing themselves in the excitement of the Eisteddfod and often volunteer for many more shifts. The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod becomes an absorbing and rewarding experience, especially if you love the performing arts!

Volunteers must be over 16 years of age. All volunteers over the age of 18 must hold a valid WWCC (Working With Children Check) or VIT Card (Teachers).

Volunteers receive free passes to watch any session they are interested in (except those with/allocated seating).

What do RSSS Volunteers do?

Royal South Street Society volunteers perform a wide range of roles supporting disciplines throughout the Eisteddfod season in some fabulous arts venues throughout our region.

Volunteer roles include:

Discipline Committees
Stage Managers
Performance Comperes
Curtain Operators
Timers
Writers
Runners
Security Officers
Front of House and Door Ushers
Staffing the Registration Desk
Data entry
Collation of documents
Research in the Royal South Street Society Archives

The important thing is that you can be an active volunteer for as little or as much time as your busy life allows.

What are the Benefits of Volunteering for the Royal South Street Society?

You will be part of Australia’s premier Eisteddfod!
You will be doing your part to help nurture the stars of tomorrow in the performing arts!
You will have opportunities to learn new skills!
You can enjoy social gatherings during off season!
If you’re new to this region, volunteering can also help you create a social network!
Participating as a volunteer at the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod can also be an impressive addition to your resume if you are young performing artist or student.
You will be entitled to free admission to performances during the competitions as well as some discounts on merchandise.

Never volunteered before? The Royal South Street Society offers training and support to learn new skills so that you can enjoy your experience and love being part of our team.

Volunteer Comments and Testimonials

November 22, 2024 -"The office staff have worked hard to turn things around and everything is looking so positive. As volunteers, we can be proud that we are nurturing these young performers along a good path" Colleen Holloway

October 30, 2024 - "This year's staff were outstanding and a joy to work with - energetic, efficient, encouraging and profuse in their appreciation of the volunteers. It was a privilege to participate within the positive team environment that they created."

April 18, 2024 - "Thank you for the training session today. I was impressed by the effort to make it look professional and business-like. All the best to the board and the three great office staff" Jenny Searl.

April 17, 2024 - "Congratulations on such a positive and professional AGM tonight. How wonderful that a team of dedicated and forward-looking people are growing RSSS for the future!

We came home feeling that all will be well as the Society moves forward and that the uncertainties of the recent past will no longer hamper the possibilities of professional and exciting seasons to come.

RSSS deserves the very best and we believe that you and your team will lead it with passion, respect and success." Ric and Barb Dunlop (Life Members)

Volunteer Resources

LINK to Child Safe Standards

Download Volunteer Handbook

Volunteer Child Safe Standards Training Front Cover

LINK to Feedback Form

Applicable Policies and Procedures

Apply for a Working With Children Check WWCC

Volunteer Policy

Child Safety Policies and Procedures

Code of Conduct

Grievance, Complaints and Compliments Policy & Procedure

Grievance, Complaints and Compliments FORM

Volunteer Training

Thursday April 18, 2024

We invite you to review the notes regarding our recent Volunteer Training Session.

View Notes

Volunteer Rosters - Instructions for signing up to a shift

Instructions on 'Volunteer SignUp' for rosters

Meet Some of Our Past & Present Volunteers

Royal South Street Society volunteers are often the welcoming face that greets the entrants and the audience, they love the thrill of the venue atmosphere and excitement of the performers.

Long term volunteers happily share their skills and knowledge with new volunteers, and many rich friendships are developed along the way. In fact, it has become a family tradition, with many generations continuing their support of the disciplines they love they most.

Volunteers really do make a difference to everyone’s Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod experience while promoting and encouraging participation, enjoyment and enrichment through the performing arts.

Don’t just take it from us that being a volunteer for Royal South Street Society is a wonderful experience, read some stories and special memories that they would like to share...