- National Volunteer Week (18-24 May) is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering
- Theme for 2026 National Volunteer Week isYour Year to Volunteer
- WA volunteers recognised for their outstanding contributions across the State, including through Volunteering WA Awards
National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18-24 May this year, provides an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Western Australian volunteers.
The 2026 theme is Your Year to Volunteer, which invites more people to step up and get involved in ways that work for them.
It also complements the United Nations' recognition of 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, which promotes the meaningful impact of volunteers across the globe.
The Cook Labor Government is proud to contribute towards National Volunteer Week celebrations through $425,000 Lotterywest grant funding, which has supported 224 community organisations to host their own volunteer-recognition events this year.
Activities will be taking place across the State, including events such as:
- All Stars for Autism (Joondalup) - You're My Cup of Tea: Pouring Appreciation for our Volunteers;
- Kununurra Neighbourhood House - Gratitude and Goodies;
- Pemberton Youth Emergency Service Cadets - Community BBQ and documentary screening;
- Gidgegannup Junior Football Club - The Real MVPs: Volunteer Celebration Event; and
- PFLAG+ Perth - Perth IDAHOBIT and Volunteer Week event.
The funding also supported Volunteering WA to host the prestigious WA Volunteer of the Year Awards Gala last week, which recognises individuals and organisations whose commitment and leadership exemplify the very best of volunteering in WA.
Some 240 nominations were received, with the 2026 winners as follows:
- RAC WA Volunteer of the Year Award - Kerrie Overell from WestAus Crisis & Welfare Service;
- WA Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award - Man Up WA;
- WA Corporate Community Impact Award - Mineral Resources & Dandelions;
- WA Young Volunteer of the Year Award - Ellie Vrankovich;
- WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award - the late Lin Doust from the Y;
- WA Inclusive Volunteering Award - Befriend; and
- WA Excellence in Volunteer Management Award - Tanya Healy from Prepare Produce Provide.
As stated by Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley:
"National Volunteer Week is an amazing celebration of the contributions made by volunteers across Australia, and our chance to recognise the generosity and dedication of Western Australian volunteers.
"Volunteers play an essential role in supporting many services and organisations that strengthen our communities and make them more vibrant places to live, work and play.
"I congratulate all nominees and recipients of this year's Volunteer of the Year Awards, it was truly inspiring see their dedication to their communities.
"Your Year to Volunteer is a powerful call to action - a reminder that everyone has something to contribute and there's no better time to get involved.
"So, our message to Western Australians is simple - this is your year to volunteer."
