Help grow a thriving community garden: apply as our Community Engagement Coordinator

Do you love bringing people together, making things happen and helping good ideas take root?

We're looking for a warm, organised and proactive Community Engagement Coordinator to help strengthen our volunteer community, grow our weekly market, deliver an exciting program of events and build meaningful partnerships across Warrnambool.

This is a hands-on, people-focused role for someone who enjoys turning plans into action and who believes gardens can grow much more than veggies.

Part-time, fixed-term contract: 12 months

Hours: 15 hours per week, spread over two agreed days

Location: Warrnambool Community Garden with some hybrid opportunities depending on the schedule

About us

Warrnambool Community Garden is a large, community-led space where people come together through gardening, sustainability, local food and shared learning.

Our work supports inclusion, empowerment and ecological, social and economic sustainability. We’re committed to reducing, reusing, recycling, restoring and replenishing and to creating a welcoming space with strong connections to the broader Warrnambool community.

We’re now looking for someone who can help us build on this work and support the garden’s ongoing development and financial sustainability.

About the role

As Community Engagement Coordinator, you’ll work closely with members, volunteers, producers, community groups and the Committee to create opportunities for people to participate, connect and contribute.

You’ll help strengthen the systems behind our community activities while bringing energy, creativity and care to the people-facing parts of the role.

You’ll be involved in:

• Building stronger volunteer pathways, from first welcome through to ongoing participation and emerging leadership.

• Improving volunteer recruitment, inductions, communication and coordination systems.

• Continuing to grow the Wednesday market as a vibrant community hub and important income-generating activity.

• Planning and promoting a seasonal program of workshops, events, group visits and activities.

• Supporting the coordination of major events and helping volunteers and community partners bring them to life.

• Reviewing existing revenue-generating activities and developing new opportunities aligned with our values, including site and quarry amphitheatre hire.

• Building and strengthening partnerships with local organisations, businesses, educators, producers and community groups.

• Supporting grant applications, acquittals, reporting and documentation relating to community development and events.

• Helping ensure activities are well planned, welcoming, safe and delivered in line with the garden’s policies and values.

About you

You might be a community development coordinator, events coordinator, volunteer manager, project officer or someone with practical experience gained through community-led projects.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys connecting with a diverse range of people and helping others feel welcome.

• Is organised, reliable and able to manage multiple projects and priorities.

• Can work independently while keeping the Committee informed and involved.

• Has experience coordinating volunteers, events, programs or community activities.

• Is confident with planning, promotion, logistics and communication.

• Can build positive relationships with community groups, local businesses and other partners.

• Brings creativity and initiative to developing new ideas and opportunities.

• Has an interest in community gardening, sustainability, local food systems or community development.

• Is comfortable using digital tools for communication, record keeping, promotion and administration.

• Understands the importance of safety, inclusion, confidentiality and respectful conduct.

You don’t need to tick every box. If you have transferable experience, a practical mindset and a genuine enthusiasm for helping community initiatives grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to play an important role in one of Warrnambool’s most distinctive community spaces.

You’ll help:

• Create meaningful ways for people to participate and build confidence.

• Support volunteers to develop skills and step into leadership.

• Grow a much-loved local market.

• Connect people with sustainable food, gardening and practical learning.

• Help deliver memorable events and experiences.

• Strengthen the garden’s relationships and long-term sustainability.

• Work alongside a passionate community of members, volunteers and supporters.

  
  

How to apply

Please submit:

• A short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

• Your resume.

• Your availability across two agreed working days.

Applications and enquiries can be sent to grow@wcg3280.org.au.

Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 6 September