National Volunteer Week

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National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, with thousands of events and activities held across the country.

Volunteering WA celebrates volunteering every day, but even more so during National Volunteer Week – it’s a chance to recognise the generosity and contributions of Western Australia’s volunteers.

2026: Monday 18 – Sunday 24 May 2026
2027: Monday 17 – Sunday 23 May 2027

On this webpage, find the theme, downloadable certificates and graphics, and grants to help you celebrate. 

2026 Theme | “Your Year To Volunteer”

Acknowledging 2026 is International Year of the Volunteer, this year’s National Volunteer Week theme is “Your Year to Volunteer” – a theme which will be used throughout the year.

The narrative draws on three core elements:

Our shared story for 2026 will appear across our website, social media, publications, and campaigns to ensure Australian communities and volunteer involving organisations can easily follow the momentum of this important year.

This is ‘Your Year To Volunteer…

No matter whether you’re a regular volunteer, or never tried it before, you can make 2026 Your Year too..

If you already volunteer

For the 1.5 million West Aussies who volunteer, 2026 is Your Year to…

  • volunteer differently
  • volunteer with your family
  • champion volunteering and sign up your friends
  • make a pledge and try more (or different types) of volunteering
  • share your volunteering story

If you’re new to volunteering

2026 is Your Year to….

  • start volunteering!
  • ask an organisation or community group if they need a hand
  • attend a volunteer open day
  • visit a local Volunteer Resource Centre

For organisations and workplaces

2026 is Your Year to…

  • really champion volunteering throughout the year
  • host a volunteer open day or taster session
  • organise a volunteer activity for your employees
  • get involved with Volunteering WA’s promotional campaigns
  • kick start your volunteering program
  • develop your skills with training
  • review the National Standards
  • attend a Volunteering WA Volunteer Manager Network Meeting

Get involved

There are many ways that everyone – individuals, community organisations, businesses, state and local government departments, schools and universities – can take part in National Volunteer Week and share the message that volunteering is at the heart of Australia.

For Individuals

  • Download and share our graphics for social media, tag @VolunteeringWA and use the hashtag #NVW2026
  • Thank a volunteer or community group who has inspired you.
  • Share with people the value volunteering has had on your own life, by sharing your own volunteering experiences, or the impact another volunteer has had on you
  • Wear red for volunteering one day during NVW and encourage your friends to do the same.
  • It’s Your Year to Volunteer! Invite a friend, colleague or family member to try volunteering with you.
  • Write a short note, message or email to recognise a volunteer you work with.
  • Encourage your organisation or group to recognise volunteers in a small but meaningful way during the week.

 

 

For organisations and workplaces

  • Promote National Volunteer Week in your internal or external publications, such as your website or newsletter.
  • Ask your employees and volunteers to share their volunteering experiences.
  • Recognise and celebrate your volunteers, volunteer managers, Board members and committee members with a thank you, social media post, morning tea, or certificate presentations.
  • Organise a group volunteering activity throughout the month of May.
  • Reach out to causes and community groups that your team are passionate about and see what volunteering or micro-volunteering you could support with.
  • Consider sponsoring a community organisation or volunteer-led group, or holding a fundraising event.
  • Light up your building or workplace in red during National Volunteer Week to show support for volunteers.
  • Partner with another organisation or business to co-host a community celebration.
  • Add a National Volunteer Week message to your email signatures for the week.

What’s happening?

National Volunteer Week Resources

Our resources are available to inspire you and your organisation to celebrate National Volunteer Week. Don’t forget to tag @VolunteeringWA and use the hashtags #NVW2026 and #IVY2026.

Join us as we celebrate WA’s extraordinary volunteers.

Volunteers span across every industry in WA.

The contributions of volunteers is crucial for services and activities that are essential to communities. Celebrating these heroes is a must, not a nice-to-have, and National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to do just that.
  • I enjoy meeting the families and children, and them wanting to tell me their stories. I think I get more than I give.
    A woman hands a toy to a young child and her mother.
    Marilyn
    Health | Ronald McDonald House WA
    Watch Marilyn’s story
  • Being able to save lives, save property, working as a team… It’s pretty impactful.
    Toby
    Emergency Response | Mundaring Volunteer Fire & Rescue
    Watch Toby’s story
  • It gives you so much satisfaction, helping other people. It’s nice to know that you’re helping out the next generation.
    A man holds up a canoe on his shoulder
    Terry
    Sport & Recreation | Paddle WA
    Watch Terry’s story
A group of people at a beach holding shovels in the air for a volunteering event
University volunteers clean up the coast at Volunteering WA’s annual Inter-University Challenge