- Funding will go towards National Volunteer Week celebrations and the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards
- National Volunteer Week is 18 to 24 May 2026
- United Nations declared 2026 International Volunteer Year, with celebrations planned around the world
The Cook Government will support National Volunteer Week celebrations across Western Australia through a $425,000 Lotterywest grant.
Held from 18 to 24 May 2026, National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest celebration of volunteering.
This year's theme 'Your Year to Volunteer', honours the contributions of volunteers and encourages people across Australia to make 2026 the year they get involved and make a difference. It also highlights the worldwide United Nations initiative of 2026 being International Volunteer Year.
Volunteering WA has been awarded the funding to administer small grants of up to $1,500 for organisations to host an event or activity during National Volunteer Week. Applications for the grants are open now, and close on 13 February 2026.
The Lotterywest funding will also support the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards, which will be held on 14 May 2026. Award nominations are now open and close on 20 February 2026.
The Awards, hosted by Volunteering WA, recognise volunteers across seven award categories including:
- WA Excellence in Volunteer Management;
- WA Inclusive Volunteering Award;
- WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering;
- WA Young Volunteer of the Year;
- WA Corporate Community Impact Award;
- WA Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year; and
- RAC WA Volunteer of the Year.
Regional applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Visit www.volunteeringwa.org.au for more information.
As stated by Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Volunteers play an essential role in supporting many services and organisations that make our communities more vibrant and inclusive.
"With 2026 being International Volunteer Year, it is especially significant to recognise the outstanding contributions made by Western Australian volunteers.
"As Minister for Volunteering, I'm delighted to deliver this $425,000 Lotterywest grant to Volunteering WA.
"The grant will support a wide variety of events and activities to celebrate WA's volunteering community during National Volunteer Week in 2026."
As stated by Volunteering WA CEO Tina Williams:
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of Western Australia.
"From surf lifesavers and coaches, to carers, conservationists and crisis supporters - you don't need to look far to see them.
"This funding from the Cook Government through Lotterywest will help Volunteering WA and volunteer involving organisations to properly acknowledge and thank volunteers for their exceptional work."
