With the new year underway, it’s not too late to start those New Year’s resolutions. Doing something good for others can be a rewarding way to begin, and there are plenty of volunteer opportunities across the Shire to suit everyone.

Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre

A hive of activity and an important lifeline for the community, the Neighbourhood Centre offers a range of volunteer roles to suit different interests and schedules.

Love fashion and a good browse? The Nic Nak Shed is perfect for sorting donations and helping customers 9am–4pm Monday to Thursday, 9am–2.30pm Friday, or 9.30am–12.30pm Saturdays.

If you’re friendly and organised, Reception Volunteers greet visitors and answer phones during shifts 9am–12.30pm or 12.30pm–4pm Monday to Thursday, and 12.30pm–3pm Fridays.

Prefer being on the road? Community Transport Drivers help locals get to appointments when bookings arise, mostly within the Douglas Shire, with the occasional trip to Cairns.

Those who enjoy supporting families can volunteer with the Playgroup (Monday–Wednesday, 9.30–11.30am) or the New Parents Group (Thursdays, 10am–12pm). A Blue Card is required.

For more information contact [email protected] or call 07 4099 5518.

Mossman Botanical Gardens

In Mossman, volunteers at the Circle of Plenty community garden, located within the Mossman Botanic Gardens, help grow seasonal produce for local food programs. 

Meeting on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, volunteers plant, water and harvest while enjoying connection, learning and time outdoors. No experience is required.

For more information email [email protected].

Forever Reef Project

For those passionate about the ocean, the Great Barrier Reef Legacy Forever Reef Project offers a hands-on way to help protect coral for future generations.

Based at Port Douglas Marina, volunteers support the team by delivering educational presentations to visitors and assisting at market stalls and community events. The small team is preparing to onboard around 10 new local volunteers in February 2026.

They’re looking for people who are passionate about reef conservation, friendly and reliable, comfortable engaging with the public, local to the Port Douglas area, and able to commit approximately 4–8 hours per fortnight.

Keep an eye on their social media for application details via Facebook, or on Instagram at @foreverreefproject.

Help clean-up our beautiful beaches

Marine debris continues to threaten our coastline, but locals can help through monthly Four Mile Beach clean-ups with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation. 

Volunteers collect, sort and record debris, with the data helping track pollution back to its source and protect the Great Barrier Reef. 

For more information, including the clean-up calendar, visit: https://tangaroablue.org/events/

The Port Douglas Local Ambulance Committee

Dedicated to supporting Queensland Ambulance Service, the Port Douglas Local Ambulance Committee plays an important role in local health and safety. 

Volunteers help deliver CPR training to Year 5 and 6 students at Port Douglas State School and run non-profit stalls at IGA Port Douglas selling first aid and snake bite kits. 

All volunteers receive CPR and first aid training, with the option to complete a Rescue Leader course through Queensland Ambulance.

For more information and to get involved call (07) 4099 6457. 

Low Isles Preservation Society (LIPS)

For those keen to protect one of the region’s most iconic reef islands, the Low Isles Preservation Society offers volunteer opportunities including bird counts, beach clean-ups, island maintenance, conservation projects and relief caretaking. Volunteers must become members to participate.

To learn more about becoming a member, click here.

There are many other ways to get involved across the Shire, from volunteering with the SES or Rural Fire Service to walking shelter dogs with Paws and Claws, supporting Meals on Wheels, local sporting clubs, community events and wildlife rescue groups. 

There’s an opportunity for everyone to give back in a way that suits them.