FAQs

GENERAL VOLUNTEER FAQs

1. What is Our Big Kitchen?
Our Big Kitchen (OBK) is a community-run, kosher-certified industrial kitchen in Bondi that prepares and distributes meals to people in need, including the homeless, disadvantaged families, hospitals, and charity partners.

2. Where is OBK located?
36 Flood Street, Bondi NSW 2026.

3. What do volunteers do?
Tasks vary, but commonly include:

• Helping with food preparation
• Organizing and leading group activities
• Handling light cleaning tasks
• Packaging food for distribution
• Refreshments: Tea, coffee, water, and food will be available for you.

4. Do I need cooking experience?
No. All skill levels are welcome, and staff will guide you through each task.

5. What should I wear?
Please wear closed-toe shoes and avoid activewear or sportswear an sleeveless shirt. Caps, head coverings, and aprons will be provided.

6. Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
Yes. Individual volunteers must be 18 or older, and children 15+ may join if accompanied by a parent. The only exceptions to this age requirement are for participants in the Duke of Edinburgh program or a school community service program.

7. Are there any requirements to volunteer?
Yes. A WWCC is required for strict compliance for volunteers aged 18 and over.

8. How long are volunteer shifts?
Shifts are usually 2–3 hours:

• Morning: 8:30 AM – 12 PM
• Midday: 12 PM – 3 PM
• Afternoon: 3 PM – 5 PM (Tue–Fri)

9. How do I book a shift?
Contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@obk.org.au to check availability and schedule your shift.

10. How can we register or sign up?
To register, you can use this link: https://obk.my.site.com/volunteer-sign-up or visit our website and choose “Volunteer Now.”

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER FAQs

1. Can I volunteer anytime
Yes, subject to available shift times. Booking ahead is required.

2. Is there a cost to volunteer?
No, individual volunteering is free. Just ensure anyone over 18 has a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

3. Can I volunteer with a friend or family member?
Yes, but we recommend that your friend, if over 18, has a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) before volunteering. Please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@obk.org.au.

4. How do I track my volunteer hours?
Volunteer hours can be tracked through our online portal, where volunteers also book their sessions. Please note that volunteers with a valid WWCC are automatically added to the portal.


DUKE OF ED (DofE) VOLUNTEER FAQs
1. Does OBK accept Duke of Ed volunteers?
Yes! OBK supports the student Awardees for Duke of Edinburgh program.

2. What tasks do Duke of Ed participants do?
DofE participants assist with:

• Meal preparation
• Helping with the dishes
• Packing meals
• General tidying up
• Watering the plants
• Setting up for the following day
• Cleaning and organising the kitchen

3. What is the schedule for Duke of Edinburgh volunteers?
DofE volunteers are scheduled Monday to Thursday from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
For any exceptions, please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@obk.org.au.

4. Will OBK sign my Duke of Ed record book / online portal?
Yes, we can sign and complete it, and we will also verify your hours once finished.

5. How do I schedule my DofE hours?
Contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@obk.org.au with your availability. Regular weekly shifts are recommended.