As May comes to a close, we're still buzzing from the energy, celebration and community spirit of National Volunteer Week (NVW). What an incredible week it was, wrapping up with our insightful SA State Volunteering Conference and the inspiring SA Volunteer Awards. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, presented, nominated, or helped bring these events to life.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations, not only to the winners of this year’s SA Volunteer Awards, but to every finalist and nominee. You were nominated for a reason, and each of you reflects the generosity and spirit that drives our sector forward.
The Colour Your Community Red campaign illuminated streets, buildings, and social media. The display of red across communities and online served as a reminder of the importance of volunteering. Appreciation is extended to every individual and organisation that participated and found various ways to show support.
To all the volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart, and to the organisations that take the time to celebrate and recognise them, thank you. We’ve loved seeing the buzz on social media, with many stories, shout-outs and posts highlighting the meaningful contributions of volunteers across our state.
Let’s carry this momentum with us through the year. Recognition doesn’t need to be confined to one week. Keep celebrating the people who make a difference in your community, all year round.
Hamilton Calder Chief Executive Officer
National Volunteer Week was packed with powerful moments, from the SA State Volunteering Conference and Volunteer Awards to the vibrant 'Colour Your Community Red' campaign and the International Student Volunteer Expo.
Thank you to everyone who took part in recognising the volunteers who make our communities stronger. Read on to relive the highlights!
2025 South Australian Volunteer Awards
This year’s SA Volunteer Awards were a heartfelt tribute to the individuals and organisations who go above and beyond in their communities. From quiet achievers to long-serving volunteers and innovative VIOs, every nominee has made an impact.
Watch the Awards Night Highlights video and learn more about this year's winner here.
Congratulations once again to all winners, finalists and nominees.
2025 SA State Volunteering Conference
It was a fantastic day that brought together over 250 people from community organisations, local and state government, and the private sector. We explored important topics in volunteering, heard from some truly inspiring speakers, and had plenty of opportunities to connect and share ideas.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and participated. You helped make this event a standout success!
International Student Volunteer Expo – Building Connections through Volunteering
We proudly partnered with StudyAdelaide to host the very first International Student Volunteer Expo, and what a success it was!
We welcomed 130 enthusiastic students and 28 inspiring volunteer-involving organisations, all coming together to explore meaningful ways for international students to give back and get involved in their new community.
If you are or know an international student ready to start volunteering, check out our Volunteer Assist service! We offer free one-on-one support to help match your skills and interests with the right volunteering opportunities. Find a position or book a Volunteer Assist appointment here.
Colour Your Community Red – Thank you for going red for volunteers
Among all the inspiring events happening during National Volunteer Week, the #ColourYourCommunityRed campaign was lighting up hearts and buildings across our state in a celebration of the volunteers who power our communities.
It’s been wonderful to see so many places and people embrace the red and show their support. A huge thank you to all the organisations, councils, and individuals who took part: Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Oval, Parliament House, SA Maritime Museum, SA Migration Museum, Burnside War Memorial Hospital, and SA Water.
Your support helps shine a light on the power of volunteering and reinforces the message that volunteers matter.
Nominate a Volunteer Champion – SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards
Do you know a volunteer making a real difference in the lives of children and young people in care? Or perhaps that person, is you?
Nominations are now open for the 2025 SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards, and we’d love your help promoting the Volunteer of the Year Award!
This award recognises the extraordinary dedication, compassion and impact of volunteers working with government or non-government agencies to support children and young people in care.
Nomination-worthy stories might include volunteers who:
Have made a positive difference through their interactions or support
Have offered long-term commitment and service
Help create safe, supportive, and comforting environments
Nominations are open until Monday, 2 June, and winners will be announced at the SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards on Friday, 5 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
As I'm sure you agree, National Volunteer Week is a powerful reminder of the many positive benefits of volunteering - not only for the communities supported, but also for the volunteers themselves.
It’s also a timely opportunity to continue inspiring young Australians to get involved.
Check the Federal Government's national youth volunteering campaign 'Hanging out to help out''. It contains ready-to-share materials, including:
Case study videos, social tiles and captions - for sharing via social media.
Newsletter content - for distribution via mailing lists and your website.
Posters - for display in physical spaces (offices, meeting areas, etc.) and online.
Thank you again for helping us encourage the next generation of volunteers.
COVID couldn't stop the music: the volunteer-led choir shines at Glandore
After a difficult start, postponed because of COVID, Miriam McGregor (Mim) is the volunteer choir conductor for a group at the Glandore Community Centre. This Centre is set in beautiful grounds in the City of Marion, and the Glandore Community Choir attracts nearly 40 regular participants each week, all with different musical skills and backgrounds. But thanks to the dedication, energy and warmth of Mim and her volunteer accompanists they produce wonderful music, leave each session with joy in their hearts and take pleasure in that sense of community.
Watch herefor Mim’s thoughts on her volunteering in a short video clip.
This is an article from Volunteering SA&NT Share your Story, a project inspired by the National Volunteering Strategy Action Plan – contact us atshareyourstory@vsant.org.auorCHSPSSD@vsant.org.au
As we approach the 2026 South Australian State Election, Volunteering SA&NT is keen to hear from volunteer managers and organisations across the volunteering sector. Your insights are vital—we want to make sure the challenges you face and the support you need is heard by those shaping public policy.
This survey is an opportunity to share your experiences, highlight your needs, and identify opportunities. The results will be used to inform the government, the opposition, and election candidates, helping to shape future volunteering policies and programs.
Australian Research Council – Developing a National Rural Volunteering Roadmap: Rural Volunteering Vulnerability Tool soft launch
Last week, Professor Leonie Lockstone-Binney from the Australian Research Council (ARC) unveiled at a soft launch, the beta version of the Rural Volunteering Vulnerability Tool as part of the 2025 South Australian State Volunteering Conference.
The tool provides a visual representation of an area's overall volunteering vulnerability compared to the rest of Australia. The session generated strong interest, and it was encouraging to hear from several organisations that see real value in how the tool can support both their strategic and operational planning. ARC will continue refining and testing the tool based on feedback from key partners, including Volunteering SA&NT.
For more information about the project, click here.
We can support your volunteer leadership development
Each session runs for one hour and is completely free to attend. These webinars are a great opportunity for local organisations to connect with national colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. Who knows what great initiatives might emerge from these conversations?
Volunteering SA&NT currently has over 1500 volunteering positions available on our website!
Whether you’re interested in social support, event assistance, environmental projects, or skill-based volunteering, there’s an opportunity for everyone.
Visit our website to explore the available roles, apply, or share these opportunities with friends and family. Together, we can make a difference!
Volunteering SA&NT is thrilled to be working with Palliative Care South Australia on the Palliative Care Volunteering SA Project, funded by SA Health as part of the Palliative Care Connect Program.
If you’ve been thinking about how to become involved in palliative care volunteering, a free 30-minute online and statewide Information Session is for you!
HELP APP Volunteer Role Information Session for Volunteer Coordinators in SA
Are you a Volunteer Coordinator in SA supporting people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or who are caring for someone at the end of life? This Session is for you.
Did you know we're also on socials!? We'd love for you to like and follow us!
About Volunteering SA&NT Volunteering SA&NT, established in 1982, is a not-for-profit organisation, the peak body for volunteering and a volunteer resource centre, leading the sector in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
We work with individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to lead, advance, grow, promote and celebrate volunteering, providing a range of services, support and resources for all volunteer involving organisations and over one million volunteers.
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