Volunteering: Building Stronger and Connected Communities

Celebrating National Volunteer Week 18-24 May 2026

National Volunteer Week is this month! From 18 to 24 May 2026, it gives us the chance to celebrate the amazing efforts of millions of people and acknowledge how volunteering is so valuable within our communities.

We’ve gathered statistics, general volunteering information and ideas, and perspectives and feedback from many local volunteers – from right here in our western suburbs.

Click here to read the summarised key points expressed by 42 individual volunteers in our local area.

Volunteering plays a vital role in building stronger, connected societies while also benefiting the individuals who give their time. It provides essential support to services that might otherwise be under-resourced, helping vulnerable people, strengthening social bonds, and responding to community needs.

Beyond its social impact, volunteering can also promote personal growth by developing skills, boosting confidence, and improving mental wellbeing.

In Australia, these contributions are especially recognised during the National Volunteer Week (NVW), with the theme of ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ for 2026!

The week not only acknowledges the many Australians who dedicate their time each year but also encourages new people to get involved.

Around 25% of Australians volunteer each year, meaning roughly one in four adults contribute their time to community organisations. Data collected by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2020 found that the most common types of organisations people volunteer for include sports and recreation (31%), religious groups (23%), education and training (19%), and community/ethnic groups (16%).

Unfortunately, in recent years the volunteer rates have decreased significantly, from about 36% in 2010 to the most recent at 25%. This shows why getting more people involved is so vital and appreciated to continue helping those around us – especially as 83% of volunteer involving organisations need more volunteers.

Research has also found that the most common reason for people’s first involvement with unpaid voluntary work was that they knew someone participating or were invited – so bring a friend along! The more the merrier.

Volunteering opportunities are available across a very broad spectrum of categories – so you’re bound to find something well suited to your interests!

Some examples include the following:

Community Support: Helping vulnerable people through charities, food banks, homelessness services, or youth programs. This can include mentoring, distributing food, or providing companionship.

Health & Aged Care: Volunteers can assist in hospitals, nursing homes, and disability services by supporting patients, visiting the elderly, engaging in games, or helping with daily activities.

Sport & Recreation: Coaching teams, refereeing, organising events, or helping to run local clubs and providing supplies.

Environment & Conservation: Activities like tree planting, wildlife rescue, waterway clean-ups, and sustainability projects to help protect Australia’s natural environment.

Emergency Services: Volunteering with fire services, State Emergency Services, or disaster relief organisations to respond to bushfires, floods, and emergencies.

Education & Mentoring: Tutoring students, helping in schools, or mentoring young people to support learning and personal development in any array of skillsets.

Arts, Culture, & Events: Helping at festivals, museums, galleries, and community events with organisation, guiding visitors, or event setup.

In addition, all community groups are always needing assistance with administration, management (secretariat and treasurer roles), event organising, and marketing.

If you can help with these roles / skills – local groups would welcome you with open arms!

What Local Volunteers Have to Say:

Volunteers from our local community groups were invited to provide feedback on volunteering.

Click here to read the summarised key points expressed by 42 individual volunteers in our local area.

Thank you to everyone for participating in this feedback!

For more information:

www.volunteeringaustralia.org, or, do further research into the areas you may be interested in joining and find specific volunteer organisations suited to you!

Data sources:

www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/volunteers

Author: Isabel Becker

Header image: Valley District Cricket Cub – All Abilities Cricket Program. Photo by: Colin Bushell Photography. All other images supplied by local community groups.