As communities across the New England region prepare to celebrate National Volunteer Week, organisations are highlighting the evolving ways Australians are giving back amid rising cost-of-living pressures and increasingly busy lives.
Running from 18-24 May, this year’s National Volunteer Week theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, recognises that volunteering today extends far beyond traditional long-term roles. From helping neighbours with groceries and coaching junior sport to assisting community fundraisers and contributing skills online, Australians are continuing to support their communities in flexible and meaningful ways.
According to Volunteering Australia, volunteering remains essential to the fabric of Australian society, even as participation adapts to modern pressures, including rising rent, fuel costs and everyday expenses.
Chief Executive Officer Mark Pearce said Australians were still eager to contribute, but needed volunteering opportunities that fit around work, study and family commitments.
“At a time when Australians are under increasing pressure, what stands out is not that volunteering is declining, but that it is adapting,” Mr Pearce said.
“We’re still seeing people show up for their communities, but they are doing it in different ways, in more flexible ways, and often in ways they don’t even recognise as volunteering.”
Mr Pearce said National Volunteer Week was an opportunity to broaden the understanding of what volunteering looks like in modern Australia.
“Volunteering is not limited to formal roles or long-term commitments. It includes the everyday ways people support each other and strengthen their communities,” he said.
“Your Year to Volunteer is both a recognition of what already exists and an invitation. There is no single way to volunteer. What matters is that people can take part in ways that work for them.”
Locally, councils and community organisations across the region are embracing the message by hosting events designed to connect residents with volunteer opportunities and celebrate those already making a difference.
In Gunnedah, Gunnedah Shire Council will host “Meet, Greet and Get Involved” at Wolseley Park on Saturday, 23 May from 9am to 11am.
The event will bring together emergency services, disaster recovery agencies and volunteer organisations to showcase the many ways locals can contribute to the community. Representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, WelFAC, NSW Police, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance and NSW SES will all attend.
Council’s Manager Community Safety and Local Emergency Management Officer Tony Krawczyk said volunteers remained the backbone of regional communities.
“So much is accomplished by volunteers, but a lot of it goes unseen. Meet, Greet and Get Involved will shine a light on these vital groups, and the people behind them,” Mr Krawczyk said.
“When emergencies or disasters occur, training volunteers and emergency services are essential to support our community, but without the numbers on the ground, this becomes a difficult task. The more people who put their hand up to become involved, the stronger our capacity to respond and recover.”
Mr Krawczyk said volunteering could also help new residents build connections within the community.
“Volunteering is a great way for people new to town to make friends, feel connected and become involved in their community in a meaningful way,” he said.
Elsewhere in the region, communities will gather at Bicentennial Park on Saturday, 23 May for a National Volunteer Week Celebration from 10am to 2pm, featuring market stalls, live entertainment, activities, a free sausage sizzle and a Volunteer Awards ceremony recognising the contribution of local volunteers.
As Australia also marks the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026, organisers hope the week will encourage more people to recognise the value of the support they already provide, and perhaps inspire others to take the first step into volunteering.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au