Each year, Newcastle Writers Festival is supported by a team of up to 150 enthusiastic volunteers. People of all ages from across the Hunter region and beyond give their time to ensure we can present the annual festival. There are various roles available and everyone participates in an induction.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the presentation of Newcastle Writers Festival. The festival has been very fortunate to have the support of wonderful volunteers since the inaugural event in 2013, and every year we welcome both reliable returnees and new faces. We are seeking people who work well in a team, are enthusiastic about assisting our guest writers and audiences, and who are willing to learn. We are always looking for those with leadership qualities and who are willing to take on extra responsibilities.

There are several roles for volunteers and based on your application, experience and interview (for some roles), you will be assigned to one of the following:

• Usher
• Front of House
• Event Production Assistant
• Supervisor
• Green Room Assistant
• Pre-event Assistant

What you will gain from volunteering:

• Experience working in large teams
• Experience working on a major event
• Development of customer service skills
• Development of communication skills and time management
• Experience working with industry professionals
• Experience in risk management.

Key requirements:

• Applicants must be over the age of 18
• Have an interest in the arts and/or events
• Have flexible availability during the festival 4 to 6 April
• Be able to commit to a minimum of 4 hours
• Be punctual and reliable
• Attend a compulsory online or in-person induction prior to the festival

Volunteer Role Descriptions

Usher
One of the most publicly visible roles, ushers ensure sessions run as smoothly as possible for writers, hosts and audiences. They assist with directing audience members to their seats, answering any questions, and updating stage requirements (fresh water for speakers, etc). Ushers are also responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment for guests.

Front of House Assistant
As a Front of House Assistant, your role will involve assisting with event setup, followed by Front of House duties as guests arrive. You will represent the festival and be the first point of contact for attendees. At the beginning of each shift, you will receive a briefing on your responsibilities.
Roles within this team include:

• Front of house venue set up
• Assisting guests with accessibility, finding their way to and around venues and their seats
• Assisting with signing tables and crowd management
• Information tables (knowledge of the festival venues and local area important)
• Conducting surveys with our attendees
• Support in keeping event areas clean and eliminate hazards
• Assisting with ushering and ticketing

Event Production Assistant
As an Event Production Assistant, you hold a vital position within the behind-the-scenes team at the festival. Your responsibilities will include helping with event setup, performing various tasks during the event, and supporting all behind-the-scenes activities associated with the event.

Duties within this team include:

• Venue set-up
• Back of house area set-up
• Float/gofer (assisting Supervisors, Volunteer Coordinator and other key event staff throughout the festival)
• Technical assistance
• Volunteer room aide
• Keeping event areas clean and hazard-free

Green Room Attendant
You must have at least two years’ experience volunteering with NWF to be considered for this role. The Green Room attendant will assist the Green Room Supervisor with several tasks aimed at ensuring our guest writers are cared for, including replenishing food and drinks, escorting writers and VIPs to their venues, and ensuring speakers have arrived.

Supervisor
You must have at least three years’ experience with NWF to be considered for this role. Supervisors oversee venues, liaise with staff, and handle any volunteer questions. They assist with the smooth running of sessions, address audience/writer concerns and needs, and support volunteers when required. The supervisor is also responsible for risk management in the venue.

Volunteer applications close at 10pm on 20 February 2025.

To apply for our 2025 Volunteer Program, please CLICK HERE to create an account and complete the application form.

If you have any questions, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Louise Mackay volunteers@newcastlewritersfestival.org.au