Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, National Volunteer Week (May 19 -25), will shine a spotlight on the millions of volunteers making an extraordinary impact on their communities. This year’s theme, Connecting Communities, will celebrate how volunteering is bringing people together, strengthening local connections, and fostering stronger, more resilient communities across the nation.
Volunteering empowers people to make a positive impact and in return volunteering provides a multitude of benefits for individuals, communities and the nation. It’s a uniquely good indicator of community wellbeing as it captures social connectedness, physical and mental health, sense of purpose, and connection to place. In fact, volunteers often report a feeling of belonging, improved mental health, and stronger social connections that reduce loneliness.
CEO of Volunteering Australia, Mark Pearce, says this National Volunteer Week we’re recognising how integral volunteers are to cohesive and inclusive communities, something that’s essential to strong Australian communities both now and in the future.
“In a year marked by natural disasters, rising cost-of-living pressures, and growing social challenges, the role of volunteers has never been more important. Across Australia, volunteers have stepped up in countless ways—offering critical support during emergencies, helping people access food and essential services, strengthening community connections, and supporting local events.
“Volunteers are the heart of our communities, and their contributions are vital in times of need. While volunteers’ contributions uplift others, volunteering also has a profound impact on the volunteers themselves—fostering lasting relationships, community engagement, and a feeling of belonging in an increasingly complex world,” says Mr Pearce.
The scale of volunteer involvement in Australia is substantial. Around six million people volunteer through organisations across the nation. Millions more volunteer informally in their local communities, helping neighbours and strangers, especially in times of crisis and adversity. In fact, many people do both, and in 2022 over half the population (57%) had undertaken either informal or formal volunteering.
These figures highlight the immense value of volunteering in strengthening local connections and supporting communities. The evolving landscape of volunteering shows that people are increasingly seeking flexible opportunities to contribute their time, knowledge, and experience. Volunteering is no longer confined to traditional roles but includes a wide range of activities that provide meaningful impact, whether it’s helping a neighbour, supporting a local event, or contributing to environmental sustainability.
“The latest figures demonstrate that volunteering is essential to the fabric of Australian society—not just in economic terms, but also in its ability to connect people from diverse backgrounds and build social resilience during challenging times, including natural disasters and rising living costs.
“At its core, volunteering is about people: people doing things for others, for their community, and for the nation. Volunteering is much more than just offering help—it’s about building connections, sharing knowledge, and creating spaces for people to belong,” adds Mr Pearce. “As volunteering continues to evolve, it’s essential that we recognise and support new ways of giving, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and included in shaping a better future for all. “Despite the growing volunteer spirit, participation barriers remain with research showing that common reasons for Australians not volunteering include lack of time due to work or study, family commitments, health issues, not being asked, and uncertainty about how to get involved.
This highlights the vital importance of National Volunteer Week as a call to action for everyone to help shape Australia’s future through volunteering.
“Regardless of age, background, or ability, everyone can volunteer. In times of crisis and uncertainty, we are reminded of the power of connection and collective action. This National Volunteer Week let’s come together to recognise their incredible contributions and inspire even more people to step forward and make a difference,” concludes Mr Pearce.
Check out our comprehensive National Volunteer Week feature inside the May issue of Have a Go News from pages 23 to 25 and find out how you can contribute to your community. https://www.haveagonews.com.au/paper/05-2025/398digital.pdf
Tips for people wanting to volunteer:
1. Find volunteer opportunities that align with your skills: Look for volunteer work that can benefit from your existing skill set. If you’re good with numbers, maybe help with fundraising efforts. If you’re a people person, positions that require interaction with the community could be a good fit. This way, you can contribute effectively from the get-go.
2. Speak with other volunteers: Connecting with seasoned volunteers can give you a better idea of what to expect. Their insights can prepare you for the tasks ahead and may even help you avoid common pitfalls.
3. Research and choose the right organisation: Before committing your time, ensure the organisation’s mission resonates with you. This can make your volunteer work more meaningful and satisfying.
4. Understand your role and responsibilities: Having a clear understanding of what’s expected will help you perform your duties efficiently. It also ensures that you’re contributing positively to the organisation’s objectives.
5. Set realistic goals: It’s important to know what you want to achieve through volunteering, whether it’s personal growth, learning new skills, or contributing to a cause. This helps keep your volunteering purposeful and focused.
6. Be open-minded: Approach volunteering with a willingness to learn and adapt. Be prepared for unexpected challenges and embrace the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone.
