Key Points
- Over two-thirds (69%) of volunteers are now back in person as change makers in their organisations.
- More than five million people volunteer in Australia through an organisation every year.
- For volunteers like Hope Dolino and Ria Alcedo, among the reasons why they volunteer include acquiring local experience and personal satisfaction.
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Australia's invisible workforce: The crucial role of volunteers in supporting our nation
08:52
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A new report from Volunteering Australia, the peak body for volunteering in Australia, features the latest volunteering data that reveals key insights into the motivations and types of volunteering undertaken in Australia.
Volunteering Australia CEO Mark Pearce shares the data which reveals that for almost three-quarters (72%) of volunteers, personal satisfaction, and the desire to do something worthwhile are primary motivations.
Helping others and the community is also a significant motivator, with 61% of volunteers indicating this as a driving factor.
Mr Pearce reiterated the important role volunteers play as Australia faced an array of challenges over the years, from natural disasters to the ongoing cost-of-living crises.
Ria Alcedo from New South Wales started volunteering as a student along with other classmates and friends, they volunteer weekly to help prepare food for homeless people in central Sydney.
The National Volunteer Week (May 15 – 21) provide an opportunity "to celebrate volunteering and all it does for communities whether you volunteer for a big organisation or small one, putting up your hand is vitally important," Pearce says, adding that "you determine your volunteering experience and you can engage and pursue your passions that way while making a difference in the community.
