We are delighted to have your involvement in the Open House Melbourne Weekend 2025: Stories of the City
This Volunteer Portal is your go-to online guide for taking part in the Weekend 2025 as a Volunteer. Here, you’ll find key dates + deadlines, resources for review and download, and other tips + tricks for Weekend success.
This page is regularly updated, so bookmark this link or save it somewhere safe for quick + easy access.
Last Update: Thursday 26 June
Key Dates Timeline
Tuesday 1 July—Deputy invitations are sent
10am-11am, Wednesday 2 July— Systems Training Session (online)
Compulsory if you are a first time volunteer.
Recommended refresher if you are a returning volunteer.
Wednesday 2 July—All Volunteer shifts published on Deputy
Thursday 3 July-Friday 18 July—PM’s + APM’s say hello to their Zones
Friday 18 July-Sunday 26 July—Info Hub is Open!
Saturday 19 July—Volunteer Training Day, CY Venue in Collingwood Yards
Morning session: 9am-10.30am
Afternoon session: 11am-12.30am
Friday 25, Saturday 26 + Sunday 27 July 2025—Open House Melbourne Weekend
Thursday 14 August— Volunteer and Collaborator Thank-You Event at Younghusband
PM + APM Training Slides
Review the slides from the PM + APM training session anytime to revisit key information and feel confident in your role.
View Here
Precinct Manager + Assistant Precinct Manager Handbook
Your go-to resource for everything you need on shift! The handbook includes key contact details, checklists for before and on the day, communications templates, emergency procedures, and other helpful tools to support a smooth + successful Weekend.
Incoming – Monday 30 June.
Deputy—Resources
Precinct Manager + Assistant Precinct Manager Reports
End-of-Shift Report
When: Once, at the end of each shift.
Why: To summarise your day! This form helps confirm everything has run smoothly, captures any non-urgent issues, and gives you a chance to reflect and share feedback!
The link to the form will be provided prior to the Weekend.
Incident Report
When: As soon as is safe + possible, after the incident occurs.
Why: Please complete this form to report any incidents, including hazards, injuries, near misses, or dangerous occurrences. This helps us respond appropriately, identify potential risks, and make sure we’re maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
Remember: In case of an emergency, contact 000. It is not your responsibility as a Volunteer to manage incidents or emergencies.
The link to the form will be provided prior to the Weekend.
FAQs—from Volunteers
Where do I check in for my shift?
Start your shift in Deputy and send either your PM or APM a short SMS letting them know you’re on-site.
Can I take a short break?
Yes! Touch base with the Building Manager or fellow volunteers to find a good time for a quick 5-minute break. Try to avoid taking breaks during busy periods.
What do I do if no one is at the site I’m rostered to?
You did the right thing contacting your PM + APM, stay on site and we’ll work out what’s happening.
I’m not sure how to answer a visitor’s question — what should I do?
Let the visitor know you’ll double-check for them. Start by asking a fellow volunteer, check with the Building Manager if it’s site-specific, utilise the tools available to you (the OHM website, etc.). If you’re still unsure, reach out to your PM or APM. It’s completely okay not to know everything!
Do I need to stay if it's quiet at my site?
Yes—your presence is still important, even during quiet times. Stay visible and available. If the Building Manager advises that you’re no longer needed at the site, let your APM and PM know so we can reassign you elsewhere.
The site host hasn't arrived — should I stay here?
Yes, you did the right thing by contacting your PM and APM. Stay on site while we look into it. If a queue starts to form, stay calm—use the digital program on the OHM website to suggest nearby sites for visitors to explore and encourage them to return shortly.
Who do I contact if something urgent happens?
As soon as it’s safe and possible, contact your PM + APM immediately, or the Emergency Operations Centre if you’re unable to get in touch. Use SMS or call. We’re here for you!
FAQs—from Building Managers/Collaborators
When are the volunteers arriving?
All Collaborators will have received their building’s volunteer roster via email, including volunteer details. Encourage them to check their inbox. If they’re unable to locate it, PMs should contact their Precinct Team Leader for support.
Last minute request! Can someone come help with queue management?
If we have a spare volunteer, yes—PMs can put a call-out on the Deputy discussion board or contact their Precinct Team Leader for support.
How do I get in touch with the Open House Melbourne team directly?
Start by asking what it’s about—you might be able to help! If it needs to be escalated, contact your Precinct Team Leader, who can connect them with a member of the OHM team.
