The Centre for Volunteering

Volunteers give so much to their communities. "Sometimes it does sort of get exhausting," says Redfern local and volunteer, Melissa Saunders (Gamiliaroi, Dunghutti), "but we just keep going because we know that's what helps our people." Learn more about her volunteering, and how she avoids burnout, in YarnUp 10: https://buff.ly/3T5vOF0 Thanks to Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation, we are able to share this story. #FirstNations #Volunteering

Many people experience their first taste of volunteering through community sport. They’re getting out on weeknights and weekends, helping to set up for games, coaching, refereeing, working in the canteen, or running clubs and competitions off the fields or courts. More than 20 percent of all the volunteers in NSW give their time each year to help keep the ball in play for people of all ages.* Sport is essential for our physical and mental health – and it couldn’t happen without volunteers. Join us in calling out their efforts through the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. #Volunteering #NSWVolunteerAwards #SportVolunteering Pictured: 👟 Central West Senior Volunteer of the Year: Michael O’Mara, Athletics Australia with Kellie May, NSW Department of Communities and Justice 🏒 Hunter Adult Volunteer of the Year: Dawn Watt, Newcastle Northstars ⚾ Mid-Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Leigh Berwick, Wests Boomers Baseball Club ⛷️ Southern Inland Senior Volunteer of the Year: Leslie Ludwig, NSW SnowSports *Source: 2023 NSW State of Volunteering Report #YourLocalClub, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Jodie Harrison, Beyond Bank Australia

Each year we travel to suburbs, towns and cities across every corner of state for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. It’s one small, but important, way to say thank you to the army of volunteers working to help build healthy and well-connected communities. Visit our Awards page to learn about the amazing volunteers being recognised in 2024: https://buff.ly/47Ic80d #NSWVolunteerAwards #TheCentreForVolunteering #Volunteering

Older people who volunteer believe that they have more choice in how and where they volunteer. The latest research shows that older people were more likely to join something they have a passion for. To find out more, read the Older Persons and Volunteering Report: https://buff.ly/3N7ofdP #OlderPersonsVolunteering #VolunteeringNSW #TheStateofVolunteering NSW Department of Communities and Justice

Thousands of volunteers working at community-based organisations are out on our streets day and night, helping people who are forced to sleep rough in towns across NSW. People experiencing homelessness often face complex issues, and the funding to provide solutions is frequently not enough. However, volunteers are there to provide what help they can, to improve lives. Sometimes, what feels like a small contribution can make a huge difference. We’ve met many of those volunteers during our regional ceremonies for the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Thank you for the support you provide cooking meals, providing shelter, packing and distributing essential items and other everyday services like a hot shower or laundry services. Often the most prized gift is your companionship, and the time given to listen and just be present. #FoodRescue #Homelessness #Volunteering #NSWVolunteerAwards Pictured: 🫶 Outer Wester Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: Foodbank NSW & ACT Warehouse Volunteers 🫶 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year: David Lye from One Meal Northern Beaches 🫶 Riverina Senior Volunteer of the Year: Noel Porter from Carevan Wagga Wagga 🫶 Northern Beaches Volunteer Team of the Year: One Meal - Northern Beaches Co-Op Community Cooks 🫶 Mid-Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: Dress for Success NSW & ACT Referral Agency Working Group ClubsNSW, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Jodie Harrison, Beyond Bank Australia

The latest research shows that rural and regional areas are seen as more dependent on volunteers than metropolitan areas of the state. The nature of these communities and the existence of strong social connections means that many volunteer roles are filled through word of mouth. Read the latest Report on Rural and Regional Volunteering to find out more: https://buff.ly/3N7ofdP #RegionandRuralVolunteering #TheStateOfVolunteering @NSWDepartmentofCommunitiesandJustice

As a volunteer do you know your rights and responsibilities? The Volunteer Handbook can guide you at all stages of your volunteering journey. Read it today on the Knowledge Base library: https://buff.ly/3Y67BRS #Volunteering #NewSouthWales

Diversity strengthens a volunteer team, offering a greater variety of ideas, perspectives, and skillsets to drive meaningful outcomes. Whether you’re new to inclusive volunteering or looking for a refresher, we offer free training designed to fit into your busy schedule. Register today: https://buff.ly/4gxlSOJ #InclusiveVolunteering #VolunteerInvolvement

When you need support with volunteer management, or recruitment, we’re only a phone call away. For expert support, reach out to our Volunteer Manager Help Desk, Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm on 02 8295 7092. #VolunteerManager #VolunteeringPeakBody

Are you ready to transform your volunteer recruitment efforts in the digital age? Join award-winning digital marketing expert, Alecia Hancock, for a five-week program on essential strategies and tools to attract, engage, and retain passionate volunteers. Register now: https://buff.ly/4f69WlH #VolunteerRecruitment #DigitalMarketing #VolunteeringNSW