Serve

How you can serve

Every one of these, including the service for your own state, takes people part-time.

The Essington Institute

Volunteer with us, join a local chapter, or contribute to the next edition of this booklet.

Join the team Register interest

Where you are

Federal first, then the two services in your own state.

State Emergency Service: The SES handles storm and flood response, road crash rescue, and search. It is the broadest volunteer pathway in the country, and the one most people can reach.
Your volunteer fire service: Every state and territory runs one, staffed mostly by volunteers.

Across Australia

Australian Defence Force Reserves: You serve part-time alongside a civilian career.
The Cyber Reserve Force: You serve part-time if you already work in cyber. Defence opened the pathway to experienced cyber professionals from industry, government, and academia in August 2026.
Australian Red Cross: Emergency services support, first aid, and community programmes.
St John Ambulance: Emergency services support, first aid, and community programmes, through eight state and territory entities.
Lifeblood: A blood donation takes under an hour. Demand rises sharply in any mass casualty event.
WICEN: Amateur radio operators run emergency service communications when other networks fail. The foundation licence takes a weekend course and an assessment.