- National Volunteer Week 2025 runs from 19 - 25 May, with the theme 'Connecting Communities'
- Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, with award ceremonies and recognition events held throughout the week
- 233 volunteer-involving organisations to host activities in metro and regional WA supported by grants from the Cook Government
National Volunteer Week kicks off today with the Cook Government supporting organisations across Western Australia to mark the occasion and thank their volunteers with $355,000 in grants.
National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteers, and this year it runs from 19 - 25 May.
This year's theme, 'Connecting Communities', recognises the power of volunteering in bringing people together, improving wellbeing and enriching communities.
To support festivities, the Cook Government has delivered small grants through Lotterywest to 233 community organisations spanning from the Kimberley to Great Southern, to host special events throughout the week to recognise their hardworking volunteers.
Activities include:
- a day at the zoo by the Citizens Advice Bureau WA Inc;
- wildlife bingo by the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre;
- pride high tea by Pride in Peel Inc;
- the Community Champion Award Night by the Town of Victoria Park; and
- an outdoor movie, BBQ and open house night by the Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia - Carine Group Inc.
As part of the celebrations, long-serving volunteers will be formally acknowledged at the State Government's WA Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony tomorrow.
The WA Volunteer Service Awards recognise Western Australians who have contributed five or more years of service to their community through volunteering.
Seven volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations were also honoured on 15 May at the 2025 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards hosted by Volunteering WA.
These awards recognised outstanding individuals and organisations volunteering across emergency services, community organisations, mental health support, youth mentorship, sport, tourism and conservation.
To find out more about volunteering in WA, visit www.volunteeringwa.org.au
As stated by Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley:
"National Volunteer Week is a fantastic opportunity to recognise, celebrate and thank volunteers across Western Australia.
"WA has a strong culture of volunteering, and it is important to acknowledge the commitment of both long-serving and new volunteers, as we encourage more people to take up volunteer opportunities.
"On behalf of the Cook Government, I extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers in metro and regional WA who strengthen and enrich our communities through their generous contributions."
