General News
22 May, 2024
The heart of the community
VOLUNTEERS are the heart of any local community and this month we acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers.
National Volunteer Week (NVW) will run from May 20-26.
In celebration, Volunteering Australia has announced the theme for this week’s celebration – ‘Something for Everyone.’
Volunteering brings people together, it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone.
Volunteers play an important role in many and varied organisations, clubs, sporting and community groups, service organisations and volunteer emergency services in towns big and small.
Their roles are as varied as their ages – but all are greatly appreciated.
Volunteering also plays a vital role in crisis response and recovery.
Volunteers and volunteer involving organisations have played a crucial role across the nation, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to skills and employment, supporting mental health, improving the lives of people with disability, and providing quality care to older Australians.
Since 2014, Australia has seen a 20 per cent decline in the number of hours volunteers give.
In the current changing environment, where Australians are time-poor and experiencing higher degrees of uncertainty, we need to reimagine how we do things.
We need to collaborate more and adapt our volunteering practices and programs so we can better support and engage volunteers to continue the necessary work that they do.
National Volunteer Week 2024 will recognise the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
It’s an invitation to explore the myriad of opportunities available, emphasising that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering.
Whether you’re drawn to environmental causes, community outreach, education, or beyond, there’s a place where your unique skills and interests can flourish.
Let’s come together during National Volunteer Week, embracing this theme to showcase the vast spectrum of possibilities and the transformative impact that emerges when everyone finds their meaningful role in making a difference.
This year Volunteering Australia will celebrate 33 years of National Volunteer Week.