Sponsor Us
Your sponsorship can help BNLLEN continue delivering programs that empower local young people and foster meaningful connections with the community.
Service clubs and community organisations can make a difference by supporting initiatives like the Real Industry Job Interview Program (RIJI), Stories from My Life (SFML), and the Banyule and Nillumbik TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program. These contributions help young people gain the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed in education, employment, and life.
There are many ways your organisation can sponsor BNLLEN, including:
- Covering catering costs for events.
- Funding venue hire for program activities.
- Contributing to the purchase of an L2P car to support young learners.
- Funding new dynamic and innovative programs and projects to support the local community and young people to develop career knowledge, portfolio and people network.
All sponsors receive recognition for their generosity through our social media channels, BNLLEN publications, acknowledgements at sponsored events, or advertisements on the L2P cars.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities or explore how your organisation can contribute, please contact Meri Ivanovska on 0409 547 034 or Meri@bnllen.org.au
Volunteer With Us
Join the BNLLEN volunteer team to support young people across Banyule and Nillumbik communities through our programs.
Why Volunteer with BNLLEN?
Volunteering with BNLLEN is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of young people in the Banyule and Nillumbik communities. Our programs, such as Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI), Stories From My Life (SFML), and the Banyule and Nillumbik TAC L2P Programs, connect young people with passionate volunteers who help them develop essential skills for their personal and professional growth. Whether you're sharing your industry expertise, guiding young people through their career journeys, or simply sharing life stories, your contribution leaves a lasting impact, helping to build a confident and capable future generation.
At BNLLEN, we value and support our volunteers, providing comprehensive induction sessions, ongoing guidance, and meaningful opportunities to engage with the local community. Our flexible roles are designed to suit your interests and availability, allowing you to make a difference in a way that works for you. Join us to experience the joy of mentorship, foster new connections, and contribute to creating a community of job ready young people.
Become an L2P Mentor
Become a RIJI Volunteer
Become a SFML Volunteer
Case Studies
Hear from other volunteers about their experiences.
Elise Halton, an Industry Careers Consultant from NECA Education and Careers, volunteered as an interviewer for the RIJI program, motivated by her belief in empowering young people to thrive in professional environments. She saw the program as a valuable opportunity to help students build confidence and develop the skills needed for job interviews. Elise described the experience as deeply fulfilling, noting how even one practice interview could make a noticeable difference in a young person’s ability to present themselves.
The RIJI program, in Elise’s view, offers something unique—an environment that is both safe and supportive, allowing students to practice real-world skills they might not otherwise have the chance to develop. She likened the program to a “steppingstone” that helps students transition smoothly into professional roles, sparing them some of the challenges that can come with entering the workforce unprepared.
Elise’s most rewarding moments came from seeing the transformation in the students she interviewed. Many began the process visibly nervous, with darting eyes and uncertain handshakes. However, by the end of their sessions, they were making direct eye contact, offering firm handshakes, and leaving with bright smiles. Elise credited this change to the supportive nature of the RIJI program, which she felt allowed students to realise that the interview process wasn’t about testing them but rather about helping them showcase their true selves.
During the interviews, Elise provided constructive feedback, particularly around resume writing. She noticed that many students had undersold the skills they had developed in part-time roles and extra-curricular activities. Elise encouraged them to elaborate on their experiences, such as teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure, helping them to see the professional value of what they had already achieved.
Reflecting on her own career journey, Elise recognised how much she would have benefited from a program like RIJI when she was younger. Although she had always been a proactive young person, getting her first job delivering papers at 11 years old, she acknowledged the value of having someone from the community provide feedback and guidance during those early stages of her working life.
Elise was quick to recommend volunteering for the RIJI program to others, describing it as immensely rewarding. She felt that helping young people take their first steps into the professional world was an experience like no other. Elise concluded by praising the program’s organisation and positive atmosphere, saying, “It’s such a well-coordinated and powerful initiative. I can’t wait to do it again.”
Richard has an aerospace background and is currently a systems engineer with SYPAQ who make cardboard drones. He has been a volunteer mentor since 2016, which means he is approaching 9 years in the L2P program. He had returned to Australia from New Zealand and couldn’t find work. The fact that he was going through a divorce as well didn’t help his frame of mind. He remembered the words of his mother who said that if you are having issues like this, volunteering is a good way to take your mind off things.
Richard and his learner George participating in the Banyule TAC L2P Program.
He remembered being in Greensborough Plaza and saw a poster advertising the L2P program and, thinking of his mother’s words, decided to find out more. Within a short time, he had been accepted as a volunteer mentor.
The environment of the L2P program was beneficial for his state of mind. He was joining a group of volunteers who were very keen and supportive. Not only that, but the learner drivers were supportive as well. ‘Once the driver has learned the mechanics of driving, then what you are basically doing is talking, sharing common interests, and getting to know one another.’
When Richard first meets his student, he admitted that ‘there are a few nerves’, but he reassures them that passing the test is not the focus. The focus is how to drive a car and be safe. This includes things like driving at night, driving when you are tired, navigating while driving, and so on.
Richard and his learner George participating in the Banyule TAC L2P Program.
Richard enjoyed meeting George, and the fact that Richard had been in the Airforce while George and his family were in the ADF gave them something to compare notes on. In addition to that, Richard’s son goes to the same martial arts venue as George, where the two had already met.
The aspect Richard enjoys most about the program is the transition. What he means by this is that you start off feeling a little nervous in each other’s company as strangers, but by the time you have been in a hundred driving sessions and the learner gets their licence, you have become good friends and share the joy of the success. So far, Richard has a 100% success rate.
Richard has these words for anyone considering volunteering for the program: ‘It's not much effort really for a big return.’ He is horrified about the number of people who die on the roads and feels he is doing his bit to try and reduce that. Richard derives a strong sense of achievement with the thought that there will be another good driver on the road after the learner has completed the L2P program.
FAQs
Yes, BNLLEN requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old. This ensures they meet the legal requirements for working with children and can obtain a valid Working with Children Check.
Yes, all BNLLEN volunteers must hold a valid Working with Children Check. Some roles may also require relevant experience or skills depending on the program. Please contact the relevant BNLLEN staff member for further information
Yes, BNLLEN offers corporate volunteering opportunities through programs like RIJI and Stories From My Life. These provide a great way for businesses to support local youth while fostering community connections. For further information about corporate volunteering, please contact Partnerships Team Leader, Courtney Aarons at courtney@bnllen.org.au
Yes, BNLLEN provides training for all volunteers to ensure they feel confident and prepared for their roles. This includes inductions and guidance specific to the program you are supporting. Some programs, such as the TAC L2P Program will offer ongoing training to mentors that best suit their needs and requirements.
The time commitment varies depending on the program you choose to support. Most roles are flexible, with some requiring just a few hours per month, while others may involve a more regular schedule over a set period. For example, the RIJI program is a one or two day commitment, the Stories From My Life program runs for 6-8 weeks for two hours per week and the TAC L2P program asks volunteers to commit to two hours per week in an ongoing commitment.