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Become our Volunteer Leader at a Buddhist Centre

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The experience

Come join us at Chenrezig Institute, Australia's first Tibetan Buddhist centre! We're seeking a warm, organised couple to coordinate our volunteer community for 3-6 months. You'll welcome volunteers, manage schedules, and help create a harmonious environment. We provide accommodation, meals, training & support in beautiful remote Queensland. This position is eligible for the 1st and the 2nd Year WHV Extensions.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Fluent English

Between 25 and 45 years old

Only welcomes couples and partners (does not accept solo volunteers)

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop strong organisational and coordination skills while working for a not-for-profit organisation in a remote Buddhist retreat centre. It is well suited to couples seeking meaningful work, simple living, and professional growth in a supportive community environment. Training will be provided by our current coordinators.
This role is ideal for applicants looking to build or strengthen professional skills. Training and support will be provided.
Chenrezig Institute is located in remote rural Queensland, Australia, surrounded by bushland, walking trails, and a peaceful retreat atmosphere. The Institute is located in a remote rural setting, best suited to applicants who are comfortable with limited access to town services and who value quiet, mindful living.

What We Offer:
- Private accommodation provided
- All meals included
- A supportive residential community
- Opportunity to live and work in a Buddhist retreat environment
- Immigration paperwork and references provided upon successful completion
- Eligible placement for Second Year Working Holiday Visa makers (88 days applicable, subject to visa conditions)

Activities & Shift

As Volunteer Coordinators, you will work together to support and manage our on-site volunteer program. Key responsibilities include:

- Coordinating volunteer schedules and daily tasks
- Creating and managing volunteer rosters
- Welcoming and orienting new volunteers
- Managing volunteer expectations and supporting harmonious community living
- Acting as a main point of contact between volunteers and staff
- Ordering and organising supplies for volunteers
- Maintaining records and basic administration related to the volunteer program

Skills & Experience:
- Clear and confident communication skills
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities
- Basic to intermediate IT skills, including: Google Sheets, Google Docs, Gmail
- Ability to manage expectations with care, clarity, and fairness
- Comfortable working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds

Commitment:
- 6-month placement
- Suitable for a couple or pair of friends able to live and work together in a shared community setting

Rules

Chenrezig Institute is a Buddhist centre, and all residents are expected to live in accordance with Buddhist ethical guidelines. This includes adherence to the five Buddhist precepts:

- No killing
- No stealing
- No lying
- No sexual misconduct
- No taking of intoxicants (including drugs and alcohol)