Apply now to be a part of Christmas Lunch In the Park 2026

Key Dates for 2026
Keep these important dates in mind throughout your volunteer journey.
Tuesday
20
October
Applications open
Applications can be completed online from 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday
10
November
Applications close
Submit your application on or before this date by 5:00 p.m. WST.
Thursday
26
November
Positions confirmed
Volunteer outcomes are confirmed, with an optional waitlist for unsuccessful applicants.
Two dates:
30 Nov &
9 Dec
Volunteer Inductions
Volunteers attend one of the Induction Sessions (full details will be emailed to volunteers).
Friday
25
December
Christmas Lunch in the Park
Volunteers come together to deliver a joyful Christmas Day.
Applications for 2026 are currently closed
Please check back on Tuesday 20th October 2026 for an update on volunteer applications or contact us to register your interest early to ensure you receive updates and reminders.
Commonly asked questions by volunteers
- Yes, we require assistance with the two volunteer induction evenings.
- Christmas Week there are several pre‑event shifts to set-up the event.
- Shifts run between 7am–5pm, with most roles 3–4 hours between 8:30am–2:30pm.
- Wear your CLIP volunteer T‑shirt (magenta or grey) provided at the Volunteer Induction – this makes you easy to spot.
- Check the forecast and dress appropriately: It’s usually very hot and sunny.
- Dress for comfort and safety: Shorts or slacks are ideal, especially for active roles.
- Enclosed, comfy shoes are required: Sneakers are recommended for roles involving movement or manual handling.
- Sun protection is essential: Bring a hat and sunglasses if your role is outdoors. Sunscreen is recommended and will be available.
- Pack lightly as there’s no volunteer storage. Bring only essentials in a small cross body bag or waist pack (e.g.: bum bag). Leave your valuables at home.
- For health and safety reasons, don’t bring extra table decorations.
- Drinking water will be available on site.
- On Christmas Day, a meal will be provided.
- Some roles are outdoors - Christmas day can be warm, so please be prepared for sun exposure.
- Sunscreen is available to help you SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SLIDE & SEEK shade.
- Stay hydrated: Water stations are available across the site for guests and volunteers, and volunteers will have access to hydrolyte if needed.
- Refillable bottles provided: Volunteers and guests receive a water bottle to refill throughout the day.
- Use public transport, noting that services may be running on a reduced timetable.
- There’s no volunteer parking onsite, however there is street parking in the surrounding area.
For more information on getting to the event, please visit our attend page.
- Yes, everyone enjoys Christmas lunch on the day! A three‑course Christmas lunch is provided for volunteers working on Christmas Day.
- Table hosts / picnic hosts will share lunch with their guests at their allocated table or picnic zone.
- There’s a dedicated volunteer chill out area (in the volunteer registration marquee) to relax and enjoy your meal and a short break.
- Your volunteer supervisor will coordinate break times to ensure lunch fits around your role / duties.
- Water, fruit and snacks will be available for all other shifts.
- Please don’t bring food to share, as all meals are professionally catered.
- Please don’t bring gifts, as we want all guests have the same, consistent, joyful experience.
- CLIP is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol‑free event. Thank you for helping keep the space safe.
- Yes, we encourage your festive flair – holiday joy is important!
- However, please make sure your festive sparkle doesn’t interfere with your duties or cover your uniform. Aim for comfort and visibility.
- Your safety comes first. The St John Ambulance team are there to support Volunteers too. If it’s an emergency, dial 000 (triple zero).
- Feeling unwell before your shift: Please text the Volunteer Coordinator as early as possible and we’ll replace you with a reserve volunteer.
- Feeling unwell during your shift: Notify your supervisor immediately. Again, St John ambulance is onsite to provide medical support if needed.
- Support to get home safely: Your supervisor will arrange cover for your role and contact your emergency contact if required.
- Notify your supervisor: If they’re not immediately available, use your judgement and alert St John Ambulance staff onsite.
- St John Ambulance staff can provide immediate assistance. They will advise if 000 needs to be called in an emergency. Always prioritise safety.
- Use PPE if possible: Gloves or a mask helps protect both you and the person you’re assisting until medical help arrives.
- Site maps clearly show the location of the St John Ambulance - providing first aid and medical support to volunteers, guests and staff throughout the event.
- Familiarise yourself with these locations.
- The security team is onsite to assist with safety and smooth event operations.