Volunteering Always in Residence at Mulleraterong

Published on 20 May 2026

Mulleraterong is a Hamilton based disability support service but it’s also much more than that. For decades, the not-for-profit organisation has been a deeply valued part of the Southern Grampians community, offering tailored support, social connection and meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities to live as independently and confidently as possible. 

Through more than 60 programs spanning daily living assistance, skills workshops, social activities and work placements, Mulleraterong has helped generations of participants to come out of their shells, connect with others and develop their skills while giving them the tools to live the lives they want on their own terms.  

One of their most cherished programs sees participants volunteering in local workplaces to flex some independence and to exercise their often considerable work ethic. There are many businesses across Hamilton who have opened their doors to the centre and its residents, welcoming them into their shops and workplaces for an honest day's effort.  

At 2 Doors Café on Brown Street, Mulleraterong residents Katrina and Emma help prepare the shop before service begins. There are tables to wipe down, tasks to organise and customers to greet. The work matters of course, but the conversations are just as important. A shift at the café means getting out into the community, meeting new people and enjoying the sense of purpose that comes with being needed. 

2 Doors owners and local legends, Fushy and Leia - have long supported Mulleraterong through the outreach programs, as well as kindly allowing the use of their café for free RSA training for young people during the school holidays. Fushy, Leia and their excellent staff are a concrete example of the volunteerism and selflessness so prevalent across the Southern Grampians. In fact, the Southern Grampians region has one of the highest rates of volunteerism in all of Victoria through the many volunteer driven organisations in the region. The 2021 census data shows that roughly a quarter of people in the Shire reported volunteering in the previous 12 months against a Victorian average of 13%.  

You might also find Mulleraterong participants volunteering at places like Bunnings as well as the James Dean Pharmacy, the Lemon Myrtle Café and Slade’s Newsagent on Gray Street, Hamilton. Each of these businesses offers their volunteers opportunity and trust and contribute to their community.  

You’ll see Mulleraterong participants assisting with meals on wheels deliveries, legacy badge selling, the Good Friday appeal and of course the St Marys Christmas Parade. Mulleraterong proudly participates in a whole scope of volunteering (and they’re always looking for volunteers themselves). 

Volunteering is now seen at the centre as a well-worn path to self-sufficiency and the Mulleraterong employment program is everything great about volunteering, condensed. It’s people helping people, sharing their skills and their time and a town recognising the value of every person within it. 

In regional communities, people often talk about the importance of looking after one another. At Mulleraterong, and in the community they are so central to, we see that idea at work every day. In cafés and shopfronts, on meal delivery runs, in conversations on the street and in the pride that comes from meaningful work. It is, in many ways, the Southern Grampians working at its very best. 

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