Local Legends
Discover the real Australia through volunteering, local events, and grassroots community experiences — alongside other international students who are getting stuck in too.
Belonging starts when you show up
Local Legends helps international students build belonging by stepping beyond the classroom and into local life. Through volunteering at community events, supporting grassroots organisations and joining culturally rich experiences, you start to see Australia from the inside out.
It's not sightseeing and it's not a one-off event. It's a chance to participate — to give your time, share your story, and meet the people who make a place feel like home.
Built for students who want to dive in
You want to explore local life more deeply than tourist experiences
You enjoy showing up, joining in, and being part of a community
You're looking for meaningful experiences outside of class
You want cultural understanding, confidence and new friendships
Real participation, real local experiences
Volunteer at local events
Lend a hand at community festivals, markets and seasonal celebrations.
Support grassroots groups
Get involved with small, community-led organisations doing meaningful work.
Join cultural experiences
Take part in community-led activities that show you the everyday Australia.
Meet other students
Show up alongside other international students who are exploring just like you.
Learn by doing
Understand a place through participation, not just observation.
Be a Local Legend
Become a regular, recognisable face in the community you contribute to.
What you'll take with you
From sign-up to showing up
- STEP 01
Apply to join
Tell us a bit about you and the kinds of experiences you're curious about.
- STEP 02
Hear about opportunities
Get notified about upcoming events, volunteer days and community experiences.
- STEP 03
Take part
Show up to volunteer or join in alongside other international students.
- STEP 04
Grow your story
Build belonging, confidence and real-world experiences you'll carry forward.
Belonging is built through participation, not just presence.
Local Legends sits at the Thrive stage of the LIVE in Australia journey. The students who feel most at home aren't always the ones who've been here longest — they're the ones who showed up, lent a hand and met people doing meaningful things. Volunteering turns a new city into your community.
Hear from past Local Legends
"I'd been in Melbourne for a year before I really felt part of it. One weekend volunteering at a local festival changed that — suddenly I had faces I recognised everywhere."
"Helping at a community garden taught me more about Australia than any tour I'd done. And I made friends from five different countries on the same day."
"I came to study, but Local Legends gave me a community. Volunteering felt small at first, but it ended up being the thing that made Sydney feel like home."
Things students usually ask
Show up. Join in. Be a Local Legend.
The best way to feel at home in Australia is to be part of what's happening here. Volunteer, connect and discover the local communities that turn a new country into your country too.