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Be a part of one of Australia’s most loved literary events
The Byron Writers Festival is seeking enthusiastic, reliable volunteers to join our Festival team. Each year, more than 150 volunteers play a vital role in delivering a vibrant, welcoming experience, for writers, audiences, and our community — and we would love you to be part of it. Come join our team!
• Contribute to a nationally recognised literary festival.
• Meet writers, big thinkers, and fellow lovers of books and ideas.
• Be a part of a passionate, community‑driven team.
• Gain behind‑the‑scenes experience at a major arts event.
Festival Volunteers
Volunteer applications for the 2026 Festival open Tuesday April 8 and close Friday April 24 2026.
For all volunteer enquires, please contact our Volunteers Coordinator via volunteer@byronwritersfestival.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the application timeline?
Applications open: Tuesday April 8 2026.
Applications close: Friday April 24 2026.
Application outcome notifications will be sent by Friday May 22 2026.
Selection is based on availability, experience, and skills.
What are the key dates?
June 12: Role descriptions and tentative rosters
August 8: Compulsory Volunteer Orientation, Workplace Health and Safety Meeting
August 13: Production volunteers bump-in
August 14 to 16: Festival weekend
August 16: Volunteer Wrap-up Party
August 17: Production volunteers bump-out
What are the age and other requirements for volunteers?
Volunteers must be 18+.
A love of books, reliability, flexibility, and teamwork are essential.
Orientation on 8 August is mandatory, even for returning volunteers.
What volunteer roles are available?
There are a number of roles we need at the Byron Writers Festival in 2026.
These include:
• Office Administration
• Production, Development
• Venue Supervisors
• Stage Managers
• Ushers
• Runners
• Roving
• Information Booth
• Accessibility Assistants
• Parking and Traffic Assistants
• Volunteer Registration
• Specialised roles (e.g., Venue Supervisors and Artist Liaison including Artist Check-in, Artist Lounge) require experience.
Can I still volunteer if I have accessibility needs?
Yes. Volunteers with health or mobility restrictions are welcome to apply. Please mention these needs in your application.
Can I volunteer if I live interstate?
Interstate volunteers are welcome to apply. You must organise your own travel and accommodation, and be available for rostered shifts.
What do volunteers receive for their time?
As a thank you to our volunteer team, everyone receives:
• A Byron Writers Festival 2026 t-shirt
• A Byron Writers Festival tote bag.
• Access to select Festival events.
• Complimentary parking and catering.
• An invitation to our Volunteers Wrap-up Party
Do volunteers get parking and food covered?
Yes, as volunteers you'll receive a free parking pass available on rostered days. You're encouraged to carpool or use the free festival shuttle as much as possible.
Each volunteer will receive a dining voucher per shift to be used in the Festival precinct. We encourage you to bring extra snacks and refillable water bottle.
Do volunteers wear a uniform?
All Festival volunteers will receive a Festival t-shirt to be worn while on duty. You must also wear comfortable, closed-in shoes, and we encourage you to bring warm layers and wet weather gear. Please also bring a refillable drink bottle.
