- The Crisafulli Government is celebrating National Volunteer Week from 18 May until 24 May.
- This year's theme encourages first time volunteers, celebrates ongoing commitment and highlights the diversity of volunteering. Initiatives being delivered through government-sector collaboration are helping to reduce barriers, strengthen and grow volunteering across the State.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is proud to celebrate Queensland's volunteers and volunteer organisations during National Volunteer Week 2026 - Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, taking place from 18 to 24 May.
This year's theme of 'Your Year to Volunteer' encourages first time volunteers, celebrates the dedication of long-time volunteers and recognises that volunteering looks different for everyone.
Under Labor's decade of decline, Queensland's volunteer sector was severely neglected, with formal volunteering rates falling by 20 per cent.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering 18 initiatives in partnership with the volunteer sector to empower our State's unsung heroes and break down barriers to make volunteering easier.
The initiatives establish a strong framework for lasting change in response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering, including a 10-year plan to guide the future of volunteering in Queensland.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and backing volunteers with targeted action, including:
Establishing the Ministerial Advisory Panel for Volunteering to ensure that the sector's voices directly guide the government's efforts to strengthen and support volunteering.
Establishing the Crisafulli Government Volunteering Working Group to improve coordination and collaboration across government, delivering more effective support for the sector.
Investing $250,000 in four regional Volunteer Resource Centres, boosting their ability to support local volunteers and their invaluable contributions to their local communities.
Reducing insurance red tape for spontaneous disaster recovery volunteers, making it easier for volunteers to reach disaster-affected communities faster to deliver critical support in times of need.
Boosting Show Societies funding by $500,000 to support our local agricultural shows and back the volunteers, exhibitors and communities that make them possible.
Hosting celebratory volunteer receptions across the state, where hundreds of volunteers have been personally recognised for their lasting impact in their communities.
Queensland's first Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said National Volunteer Week was an important opportunity to honour the contributions of volunteers, as the Crisafulli Government and sector continue to work together to grow and strengthen volunteering.
"Everywhere you look, you will see Queenslanders helping Queenslanders. This week is the perfect time to shine a light on these remarkable individuals, celebrate their efforts and inspire others to get involved in volunteering," Minister Leahy said.
"The Crisafulli Government remains committed to delivering a fresh start for Queensland's volunteers and volunteering organisations and strengthening support across the State.
"In just over a year, we've delivered the Inquiry into Volunteering and our response, and together with the sector, we've begun the work to strengthen volunteering across the state into the future.
"This week and every week, I encourage all Queenslanders to explore how they can make a difference in their community through volunteering."
To learn more about how the Crisafulli Government is working with the volunteering sector to support and celebrate volunteers visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/community-organisations-volunteering/volunteering
