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How to Become an Activity Officer: Australian Careers in Community Services

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What is a Activity Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Activity Officer?

An Activity Officer plans, organises, and runs recreational programs and events for community members. These professionals work in local governments, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organisations across Australia.

Their main job is to find out what the community needs. They do this through surveys, consultations, and direct talks with residents. From there, they design programs that match those needs. This includes sporting events, cultural festivals, hobby classes, and community arts projects.

Day-to-day, Activity Officers manage logistics, work with local partners, and promote events to drive strong attendance. They make sure activities are open to everyone, including youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. They also track program results and write reports for funding bodies.

A career as an Activity Officer suits people who enjoy working with others. It offers a real chance to improve community life. Demand for recreational programs is growing across Australia, making this a stable and rewarding career path.

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Career snapshots For Activity Officers

Activity Officers are a key part of Australia’s community services sector. Around 1,700 people work in this occupation nationally, with 43% in part-time roles (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). The median age is 37 years. Women make up 61% of the workforce.

Full-time Activity Officers work around 40 hours per week. The average salary ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 a year (SEEK, June 2026). Roles are found across local councils, schools, aged care facilities, and community organisations.

The community services sector has seen steady employment growth in recent years. Community well-being and social inclusion are growing priorities for governments across Australia, supporting ongoing demand for Activity Officers.

What will I do?

An Activity Officer runs the programs that keep people active and connected. They work with councils, schools, and local groups to plan events and manage resources. Their work spans local sports days, cultural events, and wellness classes.

  • Community Talks – Talks with residents to find out their needs, ideas, and concerns.
  • Event Planning – Plans and runs sports events, cultural events, and community gatherings including hobby classes.
  • Program Design – Creates activities for different age groups, interests, and abilities.
  • Resource Review – Reviews and maintains programs and community resources to keep them useful and up to date.
  • Data Review – Collects and checks data to see how well programs are working.
  • Report Writing – Prepares reports and funding requests to support new and ongoing programs.
  • Support Services – Helps people who face challenges like social isolation, illness, or job loss.
  • Teamwork – Works with schools, councils, and community groups to grow services for local people.

What skills do I need?

An Activity Officer needs a mix of people skills and planning skills to run community programs well. Communication sits at the heart of the role. Officers talk with residents, councils, and local groups to learn what the community needs.

Strong organisation matters too. Activity Officers often manage several events at once. They handle budgets, book venues, secure permits, and line up helpers. Problem-solving skills come in handy when plans change at short notice.

Creativity helps design programs that appeal to different groups. Fresh, engaging ideas keep participation high. A background in event planning or project management adds real value in this field.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong planning and organisation skills
  • Clear communication with diverse groups
  • Ability to work with community members, volunteers, and stakeholders
  • Creative program design and event planning
  • Budget and resource management
  • Community consultation and needs assessment
  • Risk assessment and safety awareness
  • Report writing and data evaluation
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced setting
  • Leadership and team coordination
  • Ability to support youth, seniors, and people with disabilities
  • Basic financial management for program budgets
  • Promotion and community outreach
  • Problem-solving in dynamic environments

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.