National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers - Hashtag #NVW2025

National Volunteer Week 2025 is just around the corner – and we’re inviting YOU to join us for three days of learning, connection, and celebration! 🎉

From cyber safety tips and AI hacks, to grant-writing know-how and a well-deserved Volunteer Sundowner, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're a volunteer, a coordinator, or a community group champion – we’ve got engaging events designed just for you.

Please note that some workshops can have paid staff invited to relevant workshops such as cyber security or social media so please invite people and volunteers from your organisation that you think would benefit from some or all of the following workshops. Invitations will be sent out next week for the Sundowner to be held Monday 19th May 5:30pm to 7pm.

Book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment! There will be further communications and emails.

Here’s what’s coming up from Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st May:

Monday 19th May 10am—12pm Workshop Stay Safe Online: A Cyber Security Workshop for Volunteer Managers & Volunteers This workshop is designed specifically for volunteers and volunteer managers who may not have a technical background but want to better understand how to protect themselves, their families, and their communities online  more information and registration here:

Monday 19th May 5:30pm—7:00pm. Volunteer Sundowner  Nominated volunteers from numerous community organisations will be acknowledged at a sundowner event hosted by the City of Busselton in partnership with the Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre. This event is fully catered and includes lucky door prizes for volunteers. More information contact Carl 97542047 or email: volunteers@westnet.com.au

Tuesday 20th May 2025 —  AlikeWA (formerly Connect Groups) and Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre offer 3 training and network opportunities:

10am to11:30am Grants Information Session and morning tea  - discover a range of regionally relevant funding opportunities from various sources. Presentations are by several community funders.  Register here

12pm to 1:30pm  Facilitated Networking Lunch Join us for a facilitated session designed for support groups, community groups, and community champions. More information and register here:

1:30pm to 3pm  Wellness in Action - Thriving as a Volunteer I f you’re an active volunteer or support group leader, this workshop - led by Alike WA - is for you! Join us to explore practical ways to integrate self-care into your routine. We’ll cover setting boundaries, building positive habits, and using mindful practices to maintain emotional resilience. All attendees enter the draw to win a Volunteer Wellness Pack. More information and register here

Wednesday 21st May is AI and Social Media Day!

10am to 11:30am  Workshop: Less stress, More Impact - using AI in your volunteering role. What if your next report, social post, or volunteer role description practically wrote itself? Join Carl  & Tess for a fun, interactive workshop  and let us help you be more productive.  This workshop is designed primarily for volunteer coordinators and managers and/or volunteers in specific or strategic roles such as marketing, social media, administration.  Register here

1pm to 3pm Workshop:  National Volunteer Week Special: Supercharge Your Organisation's Social Media!  Join Jessica Dunn of Sandcastle Agency for an inspiring and interactive social media workshop designed specifically for nonprofit and charity organisations during National Volunteer Week! This session will provide you with the essential tools and strategies to develop your social media presence and engage your community effectively.

More information and register here 

Hosted and sponsored by Sandcastle Agency  

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week is the premier celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia. Join us 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. We encourage all 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.

National Volunteer Week Key Messages

• National Volunteer Week (19th – 25th May) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.

• 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 theme Connecting Communities.

• Volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities.

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

• Join us this National Volunteer Week as we explore how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging.

Volunteering Key Messages

• 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.

• Volunteers are an essential workforce, spanning major sectors, including aged care and disability care; community welfare; sports and the arts; crisis preparedness, response, and recovery; and environmental sustainability and protection.

• Volunteering is vital to the nation’s wellbeing but faces ongoing challenges. Australia’s communities and lifestyle are underpinned by the contributions of volunteers.

What’s On in The City of Busselton

Busselton Dunsborough have three days of great volunteer activities planned including a Volunteer Recognition Sundowner, Cyber Security Workshop, a day of work shops for community organisations and volunteers provided by ConnectGroups, a Social Media Promotions workshop provided by Sandcastle Agency Busselton with more to be announced.

Information provided by Volunteering Australia