NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND CELEBRATING OUR DEDICATED LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward today said that National Volunteer Week (19th – 25th May 2025) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.

Mr Ward said that, established in 1989, National Volunteer Week is the premier celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia. Join in as we celebrate and thank volunteers for the vital role they play in communities across the country.

“The information and key messages below are available for everyone to use leading up to and during National Volunteer Week,” he said.

“I encourage all local volunteer involving organisations, governments, researchers, corporates, and other enabling organisations, to proudly promote the upcoming celebrations to help increase the awareness of the vital role volunteers play in our lives.

“This special event is an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

“National Volunteer Week 2025 celebrates the power of volunteering to bring people together with the 2025 theme being ‘connecting communities’.

“Volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen our local communities,” Mr Ward said.

“Let’s acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building thriving and inclusive communities. 

“Please join in this National Volunteer Week as we explore and celebrate how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging.

“More than six million people in Australia 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,” Mr Ward said.

“Volunteers are an essential workforce, spanning major sectors, including aged care and disability care, community welfare including Meals on Wheels in Kiama and the Shoalhaven, local sports, local Landcare groups, the arts and crisis preparedness.

“Volunteering is vital to the nation’s wellbeing but faces ongoing challenges.

“Our local towns and villages across the Kiama electorate are underpinned by the contributions of our local hard-working and dedicated volunteers,” Mr Ward concluded.

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