Aussies are invited to give 3 Cheers for Volunteers this National Volunteer Week (18-24 May 2026) and put the people powering sport on the map.
From grassroots clubs to national events, volunteers are at the heart of Australian sport and play a vital role in connecting communities through our shared passion for recreation and participation.
Building on the momentum of previous years, this year's campaign continues to shine a light on the people who bring sport to life in every community across the country, while encouraging more Australians to get involved.
The ASC's Volunteer Map, opens in a new tab returns as a key feature of the campaign, providing a national platform to showcase real stories of sport volunteers, from coaches to officials, administrators to event support and countless other roles. ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the campaign is an important way to recognise the contribution and impact that volunteers make to the experience of millions of participants each week.
"Volunteers are the very heart of Australian sport and we're incredibly grateful to the millions of people nationwide who make sport a place for all," Perkins said.
"Sport connects people and brings with it a unique sense of belonging in Australia, where sport is a key part of our culture and which we are proudly leading through the Play Well strategy. The Volunteer Map puts this important cohort up in lights to recognises the contribution they make."
"After a successful campaign last year, we want to find even more stories this time, and we encourage all organisations to celebrate their local heroes."
More than 700 volunteer stories have already been uploaded to the Volunteer Map, reaching all states and territories and across a wide range of sports.
Any sport volunteer aged 18 and over can be recognised. Whether they've dedicated decades or are new to the role, every contribution plays an important role in supporting sport across Australia.
This year's National Volunteer Week also comes as sport organisations across the country continue to strengthen their focus on recognising and supporting volunteers as a strategic priority, reflecting growing momentum across the sector.
The ASC is supporting this through the development of a new digital platform making volunteering in sport easier and more accessible than ever.
The National Sport Volunteer Passport will connect local sporting organisations and interested individuals in their area with opportunities that align with their skillsets and availability.
Developed with support from Rosterfy, the Passport is designed to work across sports and aims to reduce the administrative burden of onboarding volunteers in a safe and efficient online environment.
By creating a simple platform to connect organisations with interested individuals in the local area, more people will be able to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of being involved in community sport.
Minister for Sport, The Hon Anika Wells MP has welcomed the new platform.
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of community sport and play a critical role in ensuring all Australians can engage with sport in a way that suits them," Minister Wells said.
"From playgrounds to podiums, our athletes can't do what they do without volunteers and this is an important step as we set out to make sure all Australians benefit from and are part of the journey towards Brisbane 2032."
The digital map is among a suite of free resources the ASC has produced to help club administrators attract, support and celebrate their volunteers. More information about how to get involved in the pilot of the Volunteer Passport will be available in the coming weeks.
