Beacon of Hope Project is an Illawarra-based not-for-profit organization grounded in lived experience and trauma-informed practice. Our mission is to amplify women's dignity and purpose by creating inclusive, accessible community spaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to participate on their own terms.
Our BOHP Inclusive Markets are disability-inclusive, family friendly community events designed to reduce traditional barriers, supporting small businesses and vendors, and foster genuine community and connection, while fostering financial independence. We are seeking Market Assistants as volunteers to help ensure these markets run smoothly on the day of the event and fulfill all the tasks necessary within the weeks prior and after while working closely with the market coordinator.
Market Day key duties involve:
- Maintaining a calm, supportive, and welcoming environment to vendors and customers.
- Assisting vendors with set-up and pack-down of stalls (within personal capacity)
- Offering friendly guidance and general assistance to customers and vendors
- Helping maintain accessible pathways and shared spaces
- Supporting our sensory spot (which is a dedicated area with sensory resources and equipment)
- Acting as an approachable point of contact for anyone seeking help
- Wearing a high visibility vest so support is easy to identify.
- Working alongside the team to uphold trauma-informed, dignity-based practices.
- Assist with social media content (not essential)
Pre & Post Market Day duties involve:
- Flyer distribution
- Networking and advertising
- Engaging vendors, performers and activities
- Continuing to upgrade our inclusive factors
In 5 events (from November 2025 - July 2026) we have supported over 100 vendors with roughly 1 in 3 identifying as a person with a disability. Through lived experience we have broken down barriers of traditional markets and are creating an event that is inclusive for all. By volunteering you will be apart of that. You will see participants build capacity, friendship and financial independence. As a market assistant with BOHP inclusive markets you work along side a team that truly supports you and meets you where you are.