Preparing for the event
What do I bring with me on the day?
As there are no volunteer storage facilities at the event, we recommend you pack seriously lightly on the day. It’s a perfect day for a cross-body bag or waist-pack (aka ‘bum-bag’), which can be easily worn while performing your duties. Be sure to leave your valuables at home!
Mission Australia will not be held responsible for any lost or damaged belongings.
In the past, table hosts have brought along items to decorate their allocated tables. Due to health and safety considerations, we request that you leave all such items at home for another occasion.
What do I wear?
At the induction you attend in December, you will be given a Mission Australia Volunteer t-shirt which we request that you wear on the day. Other than this, we strongly recommend dressing for comfort, safety and the weather!
If you’ll be in an active role, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, such as shorts or slacks. If you’re in a role which requires a lot of movement or manual handling, such as is the case for Stewards, the Food & Beverage Crew and the Gift & Care-Pack support just to name a few, then we also recommend wearing enclosed footwear such as sneakers.
If you will be performing your role outdoors, please ensure you BRING A HAT and also sunglasses if you desire.
Will I be in the sun?
Some volunteer roles will be performed outside and, as we know, Christmas Day can be warm! There will be plenty of sunscreen available at various locations around the venue, so please ensure you SLIP SLOP SLAP SEEK & SLIDE where possible!
Please also ensure you STAY HYDRATED! There will be plenty of water stationed all throughout the venue, for both guests and volunteers. All Volunteers and guests will receive a Mission Australia re-fillable water bottle, which can be filled at any time during your shift, from the drinking water tanks.
Will I get to eat lunch too? If so, where?
ABSOLUTELY! This day is all about CHRISTMAS LUNCH, and we wish for everyone to partake! If you’re a Table Host or Picnic Host, you’ll eat alongside your guests at your designated table or shade area. For all other volunteers, there will be a dedicated space in the volunteer registration area for you to recharge and enjoy your lunch. We do ask that you and your supervisor coordinate the best time for your lunch-break, before you head to the Food & Beverage (F&B) Distribution Area and request your lunch from the F&B Supervisor.
What will the weather be like on the day?
We recommend keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast in the days preceding Christmas Day. For the most current observations and forecasts, check out the Bureau of Meteorology.
Getting there & maps
Where is the event being held?
The 2023 event will be held at Wellington Square, Wellington Street, East Perth, 6004. Please see map below or check location on Google Maps.
Where do I park?
City of Perth Parking (CPP) Car Park
Search for a CPP Car Park | Convenient Locations | City of Perth Parking
Closest parking stations to Wellington Square are listed below. Click on each link for more information.
Royal Street Car Park, 158 Royal Street, East Perth (350m from Wellington Square)
CPP Royal Street | Open 24 Hours | City of Perth Parking
Goderich Street CPP, 133 Goderich Street, East Perth (350m from Wellington Square)
CPP Goderich Street | Open From 5:30am | City of Perth Parking
Saunders Street CPP, 9 Saunders Street, East Perth (350m from Wellington Square)
CPP Saunders Street | Open 24 Hours | City of Perth Parking
Street Parking
Some or all street parking, in the surrounding streets to Wellington Square may be free of charge on Christmas Day. Please check street signage before parking and leaving your car, or call City of Perth prior to the event to check.
Wellington Square itself is strictly a NO PARKING ZONE.
Any unauthorised vehicle parking on Wellington Square may be issued with a parking infringement notice from City of Perth and risk being towed.
Where is the nearest bus stop or train station?
Claisebrook Train Station, Claisebrook Road, East Perth (850m from Wellington Square)
On Christmas Day, Transperth will operate on the Sunday-Public Holiday timetable and there will be NO CAT Bus services operating. We recommend planning your public transport journey well ahead of time, using information from Transperth directly.
The nearest bus stops are on Wellington Street and these are stop numbers;
- 12909
- 12911
- 12917
- 12919
Will there be a shuttle bus
A free shuttle bus will operation to transport guests from specific railway stations and the Wellington Square event site.
Train stations included in the shuttle bus route are;
- Perth City Railway Station
- Claisebrook Cove Railway Station
Please note that the shuttle bus will operate between the times of 9:30am and 12:00pm and then 1:00pm to 3:00pm only. Volunteers commencing after 9:45am will therefore be unable to utilise this service and must make alternative travel arrangements.
Times are subject to change and will communicated accordingly
To utilise the shuttle bus service, look out for a sign as you depart the southern side of Claisebrook Railway Station. You will be greeted by other fellow volunteers (wearing Mission Australia Volunteer T-shirts), who will direct you.
Where do I go once I arrive?
When arriving on site for your shift, please proceed towards the Volunteer entry gate located closest to the corner of Hill Street and Wellington Street. This is where you will find the Volunteer Concierge & Registration Tent (see below map)
Here you will be greeted by the Volunteer Concierge Team, who will register you into the event and give you a lanyard for wearing throughout the day, and Mission Australia Water Bottle for use to maintain hydration during the event. Your role may also require personal protective equipment to be worn (PPE) and you will collect this from the same location. For further COVID-19 safe event guidelines, please visit the COVID-19 Safe Event page.
The Volunteer Concierge Team will also direct you to your Supervisor, who you will report to for a pre-event briefing and further instruction.
Throughout the day, you’ll be able to visit the Volunteer Re-charge area, within the same area, use the toilet facilities, find sunscreen and hand sanitiser.
Will there be toilet facilities for volunteers?
Volunteer toilets will be located in the Volunteer Concierge area (see map above). These will be available to be used throughout the day and will be serviced at regular intervals.
Staying safe & well
What if I become poorly on the day?
In all emergency situations dial 000 (Triple Zero).
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of becoming unwell, injured or otherwise poorly, please remember the following;
The first priority is always your safety and wellbeing.
If you feel unwell prior to leaving home on event day, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator with as much time as possible prior to your shift. A TEXT ONLY NUMBER will be provided to you for this purpose. That way a replacement volunteer can be allocated accordingly.
If you feel unwell during your shift, as will be outlined during the volunteer briefing sessions, the first action is to notify your Supervisor. They will assist you with medical help via St John Ambulance on site on the day, if required; to find a replacement volunteer to continue your role and, make sure you are able to head home safely, or contact your emergency contact (provided by you upon registration) for further assistance, as required.
What if someone around me becomes poorly on the day?
In all emergency situations dial 000 (Triple Zero).
Wear PPE such as gloves and a mask, if possible, when helping any person who is unwell or injured to protect them and you in the process, prior to medical help arriving. Safety first!
The first action is to notify your Supervisor. If they are not immediately available, use your common sense regarding the urgency, as you may need to notify the St John Ambulance staff at the First Aid station, located beside the Ambulance, at the front of the event site. See map below.
Where are the emergency services located?
There are two emergency support services engaged to assist the day’s smooth and safe running. These are St John’s Ambulance and contracted Security services.
The St John Fist Aid Station will be situated beside the main guest entrance, clearly marked with their branded tent and parked ambulance.
Please see the sitemap pictured to familiarise yourself with where these services will be situated within the event.
