The Big Lift

Supporting regional communities across Australia, one trip at a time.

Who We Are

The Big Lift is a student-run volunteering organisation at The University of Technology Sydney. Founded in 2010 on the philosophy of 'paying it forward', we provide a platform for students to volunteer and engage deeply with local and regional communities.

Get Involved

The Winter Trip

Every July, The Big Lift takes 80 UTS students on a 9 day bus trip through regional Australia. We visit regional towns to help them with projects such as land restoration, construction and painting.

More Events

Throughout the year, The Big Lift runs on and off campus Pay it Forward initiatives. This includes Pay It Forward week, environmental conservation and more. See our Instagram or Facebook page for upcoming events!

Little Lifts

Little Lifts are weekend volunteering trips to regional towns in NSW. They have the same foundational focus as the flagship trip in July, however, students stay in a single town for two nights.

Communications Internship

Every year, The Big Lift collaborates with UTS Society of Communications to invite two student videographers and journalists to apply for the task of capturing the spectacular Winter Trip.

Testimonials

  • ‘Thank you for everything you did for us. It was a great boost to projects that were taking too long to get started. Please keep up the good work you do in small country towns’

    Dunedoo, 2019

  • It's up to the community to keep this lane looking attractive for visitors and all the school children... but it's very hard to get volunteers at the moment, people are so caught up in their own private activities... so it's up to grandparents like myself and retired people. [The Big Lift] is such a worthwhile thing to do.

    Milthorpe, 2022

  • These projects don’t happen without this heavy lifting, and on this occasion you’re the ones getting involved in it, which is marvellous. I just think it’s incredible and one day, someday, you may be back.

    Gulargambone, 2022

  • We see in a lot of places...that the government is prepared to give money for things... but they don’t last. It’s having a group like you guys come that affects the place more than throwing a bucket of money at us. And I think... what you guys have given up to come here — this is your holiday isn’t it? I think that’s a great witness to people. It’s different, what you’re doing. And I think that’s awesome.

    Boggabilla, 2022

  • Thank you to you and your team for a fabulous weekend... We really meant it when we said you guys are welcome any time at all.

    Lue, 2022

Contact Us

For all inquiries including those related to our events, volunteer initiatives and current volunteering capabilities please fill out our Contact Us form. If you would like to suggest an event please click here.