National Volunteer week At Veteran Housing Australia, our mission is powered by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers. Their efforts are integral to our ability to provide essential services, and we are thrilled to honour them during National Volunteer Week. This annual celebration, running from May 20th to May 26th, underscores the crucial role of volunteers and their steadfast commitment to the community.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024, ‘Something for Everyone,’ perfectly captures the diverse opportunities available for volunteers. It highlights how individuals can leverage their unique skills and interests to make meaningful contributions. Volunteering allows people to share their expertise while connecting with others who share similar passions, creating a profound impact on both the volunteers and those they assist.

While volunteering brings immense satisfaction, it is not without its challenges. Volunteers often work in demanding and sometimes uncomfortable conditions, driven by a sense of purpose rather than a desire for recognition or reward. This is why acknowledging their efforts is so important. Celebrating volunteers validates their hard work and dedication, reminding them that their contributions are valued and crucial to our mission.

Volunteers possess a unique blend of qualities—they are generous, caring, practical, resilient, flexible, reliable, strong, and empathetic. They devote their time and energy without expecting anything in return, making them the unsung heroes of our community.

Recognising the significance of volunteers, stakeholders nationwide have collaborated to develop the National Strategy for Volunteering. This strategy aims to support and enhance the volunteering ecosystem over the next decade and beyond. One component of this strategy is the Volunteering in Australia research project conducted in 2022, which provides valuable insights into the sector. The study involved over 1200 participants, revealing that more than 50% of organizations had up to 250 volunteers. Nearly a third of these organizations focus on community services, welfare, and homelessness, highlighting the vital role of volunteers in supporting vulnerable populations. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, over 80% of these organisations reported that their volunteers continued to provide in-person support, performing essential tasks in various capacities.

At Veteran Housing Australia, volunteers are the backbone of our work. Individuals like Lorna exemplify the spirit of volunteering. Lorna has been volunteering since her teenage years, initially driven by a desire to spread joy during the festive season. Her background in the homelessness sector inspired her to contribute to our cause. “With my experience, I felt compelled to help. I discovered Veteran Housing Australia and was amazed by their work. I applied to become a volunteer, eager to utilize my skills and knowledge,” says Lorna. She now makes regular home visits to veterans in her role as Housing Manager and Welfare Manager. “Volunteering has allowed me to connect with extraordinary individuals who have become dear friends,” she adds.

National Volunteer Week (May 20th – 26th) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. To participate, you can share your volunteer story, send a Certificate of Appreciation to a volunteer you know, or purchase and proudly wear merchandise from the Volunteering Australia online store throughout the week.

This special event is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the invaluable role of volunteers in our community and encourage those who haven’t yet volunteered to get involved.

Learn more about volunteering at Veteran Housing Australia, or contact us to express your interest.