You’ve probably crossed paths with a volunteer today without even realising it.
Volunteers are all around us, every day. People just like you are watching out for us at the beach as surf lifesavers, at the register when we head into our local op shop, behind the counter at the school canteen, even landing a hand at WA’s iconic events – like Fringe World and the Perth Royal Show.
Volunteers keep Western Australia moving, and it’s important that they’re recognised for the incredible work they do. That’s why we have National Volunteer Week (18-24 May 2026), Australia’s biggest annual celebration of volunteers.
Across the country, thousands of volunteer-involving organisations and groups will be recognising their volunteers for the significant contributions they make.
In Western Australia alone, 1.5 million volunteers are making a difference across a multitude of sectors – from animal welfare to emergency services.
In acknowledgment of 2026 being the International Year of the Volunteer, the theme for National Volunteer Week this year is “Your Year to Volunteer” – highlighting the essential role volunteers play in building sustainable communities.
But if you’ve never volunteered before, you might be wondering: is it actually worth it?
Short answer — yes.
Aside from the warm and fuzzies you get from helping a cause that’s close to your heart, volunteering offers many benefits. There are opportunities to make friends, learn new skills and build your resume. Depending on the role, you could even be enjoying a hobby or the great outdoors.
Similarly, you do not have to fit a personality type or fitness level to be a volunteer.
Some roles are social, some are hands-on, some are behind the scenes. Whether it’s helping to nursery care for endangered plants or providing companionship to a senior who speaks a different language, there’s genuinely something for everyone.
A common misconception about volunteering is that it is a time-intensive or long term commitment. However, there are many volunteering opportunities which do not require huge investments of time.
You could spend a morning handing out water at a marathon, sort donations for people doing it tough, bring joy to kids in hospital, or run a craft session at an aged care home.
Our local communities need volunteers more than ever and you have the power to make a difference by lending a hand.
If you want to make 2026 the year you try volunteering, there are lots of ways to get started. You can contact a local community group you know or get in touch with your local Volunteer Resource Centre. Altenatively, visit Volunteering WA’s website to browse roles that suit your location, schedule and interests.
To join in the National Volunteer Week celebrations, you can also visit Volunteering WA’s website for downloadable resource, certificates, social media graphics, key messages and activity ideas.
Thank you to Western Australia’s incredible volunteers. Because while they might not always be visible, we couldn’t function without them.