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.

We aim to connect UTS students with regional communities through acts of service, storytelling and shared experiences.

About Us

Over 15 years of inspiring students to give back through volunteering and community connection.

More than 100 unique towns visited across regional NSW, VIC and QLD, each with its own story of impact

Contributing a combined total of over 3000 hours across all volunteering events annually.

More than 200 members sign up each year, ready to pay it forward.

Get Involved

The Winter Trip

Every July, The Big Lift takes 80 UTS students on a 9 day bus trip through regional NSW, QLD and VIC. We aim to create an impact through hands-on service projects and community connection.

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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.

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Suggest an Event

At The Big Lift, we‘re passionate about giving back to and building meaningful connections with the communities around us. If you would like us to visit or get involved, we would love to hear from you!

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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

  • You were an absolute pleasure to have here and our volunteers and I are still buzzing from the experience. Everyone who’s popped in for programs since have been blown away by the improvement to our yard and impressed with the paint job.

    Echuca, 2025

  • A heartfelt thank you to The Big Lift team for bringing their energy, smiles and helping hands to Beeac today. With the support of our amazing community groups; Beeac Progress Association, Hesse Rural Health, Beeac Golf Club, Beeac Community Hall, and Beeac Primary School, so much was achieved. From tree planting, gardening, mulching, window washing, furniture removal and much more… many hands truly made light work.

    Beeac, 2025

  • Kangaroo Valley was keen to accept their invite to offer help on some project sites where we have been working to achieve environmental improvements. For Landcare, it's great to have many young legs to cart materials and equipment up and down the escarpment. For the students, this carting is rather just walking through some beautiful bush and idyllic landscapes. Everyone can gain where matches can be made.

    Kangaroo Valley, 2025

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.