As we come together for this month’s edition, I want to begin by recognising National Volunteer Week 2026, a moment each year when we pause to celebrate the extraordinary generosity, commitment and spirit of volunteers across Australia. Their contributions strengthen communities, elevate organisations, and inspire all of us to do more and be more.
This month also saw us honour outstanding service at the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Awards in both Alice Springs and Darwin. These celebrations showcased the depth of dedication across the Northern Territory, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all nominees and award recipients.
I was especially delighted to attend the inaugural National Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony in Canberra. Witnessing Felix Ho ASM OAM receive this historic honour was a true privilege. Felix’s sustained commitment, leadership, and positive impact—across the Northern Territory, nationally, and internationally—embody the very best of volunteering. His recognition is richly deserved.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to share exciting news: new federal funding will provide travel support for volunteer managers from across Australia to attend next month’s National Volunteering Conference. This investment ensures more leaders can participate, connect, and strengthen the future of volunteering nationwide.
Thank you for your continued dedication and for being part of a community that makes such a meaningful difference. I look forward to the month ahead and all we will achieve together.
Hamilton Calder Chief Executive Officer
2026 National Volunteering Conference
Financial support opportunities for the 2026 National Volunteering Conference are now available, covering registration, travel, and accommodation costs.
The 2026 National Volunteering Conference, co-hosted by Volunteering Australia and Volunteering SA&NT, is Australia’s premier event for the volunteering sector, taking place from 16–18 June at Adelaide University's National Wine Centre in Adelaide.
Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for financial support, applicants must:
Be a paid or unpaid volunteer leader
Be available to attend the conference in Adelaide from 16-18 June 2026
Agree to share their details with their State or Territory Volunteering Peak Body for travel arrangements
Consent to Volunteering SA&NT using photographs, recordings, or comments for promotional purposes.
Key dates Applications close: 5pm (ACST), Thursday 4 June 2026
Successful applications notified by: Friday 5 June 2026
Celebrating Our 2026 NT Volunteer of the Year Award Winners
We are proud to celebrate the remarkable recipients of the 2026 Northern Territory Volunteer of the Year Awards. This year’s winners represent the very best of our volunteering community—individuals and groups whose dedication, compassion and leadership continue to strengthen the Territory.
Each award recipient has made an outstanding contribution to their community, demonstrating the power of volunteering to create lasting, positive change. We congratulate all winners and nominees for their exceptional service and thank them for inspiring us with their commitment to making the NT a better place for everyone.
To find out more about the winners across Central Australia and the Top End, and access the photos from the award ceremonies, head to our website.
Congratulations to Felix Ho – National Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to Felix Ho ASM OAM on being named National Volunteer of the Year.
This honour reflects the extraordinary dedication, compassion and leadership Felix has shown throughout his many years of service. His volunteering has made a real and lasting difference to the lives of individuals and the strength of communities across the Northern Territory, throughout Australia and internationally.
Felix’s commitment is an inspiration to all of us, and we are proud to celebrate this well‑deserved recognition of his remarkable impact.
To hear his interview with 8CCC Radio, click on the button below
The success of the 2026 NT Volunteer of the Year Awards in Top End (Darwin( and Central Australia (Alice Springs) was made possible through the valued support of our event partners and sponsors.
Volunteering NT extends its sincere appreciation to all partners and sponsors for their collaboration, generosity, and ongoing support of the volunteering sector through their contribution to the awards.
Award partners & sponsors
NT Government - Chief Ministers Volunteer of the Yeat Award, Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, and Community Volunteer Team/Organisation Award.
NT Emergency Service - Emergency Service Volunteer of the Year Award
NT SES Volunteers Association - Youth Emergency Service
INPEX Excellence in Volunteer Management Award
NT Administrator's Medal for Grassroots Group of the Year, sponsored by Territory FM.
Event partners
DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs
8CCC Radio
Lisa Hatz Photogpraphy
Barbara Clifford, MC
Charlie Bliss Creative
Dreamedia Creative Event Production
Molly Upstill, MC
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
First Nations cultures across Australia hold a deep and continuous tradition of caring for Country and community. This enduring commitment to stewardship, connection and collective wellbeing reflects a powerful and ongoing practice of giving back—strengthening people, place and culture across generations.
These values align closely with the heart of volunteering. The act of contributing time, knowledge and care for the benefit of others echoes the long‑standing principles of shared relationship and responsibility embedded in First Nations communities. This cultural foundation reminds us that volunteering is not only an action, but a shared commitment to supporting one another and nurturing the communities we belong to.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.
The #NRW2026 campaign was created in collaboration with Carbon Creative, a First Nations-owned and operated marketing and creative agency. NVW campaign artwork by renowned Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey.
After a successful Seniors Expo in Katherine on 30 April, COTA NT is preparing for its next four Expos scheduled across the Northern Territory in 2026.
COTA NT is inviting community service organisations and volunteer‑involving groups to register their interest as exhibitors and/or providing entertainment, join-in activities, display or workshop.
Don't miss your chance to get involved!
📍Darwin Seniors Expo
📅Saturday 27 June 2026
ℹ️Exhibitor registrations now open, closing 13 June 2026
We can support your volunteer leadership development.
For more learning and development opportunities from across state and territory Volunteering Peak Bodies, check out the training page on theVolunteering Gateway!
St John are currently recruiting volunteers for a range of clinical and non-clinical roles, with opportunities to support the events Territorians care about.
St John is a self-funded charitable organisation and the leading provider of emergency medical response and preparedness in the Northern Territory. Through ambulance services, first aid training, event health support, and community education, we aim to improve healthcare and safety for all Territorians.
St John NT are an inclusive organisation that provide varied and diverse volunteer opportunities across the NT: Alice Springs, Katherine, Greater Darwin, Humpty Doo and Nhulunbuy. Volunteer opportunities are available for a range of clinical and non-clinical roles, with opportunities to support the events Territorians care about.
Volunteer with Landcare NT - from Deckchair fundraising to podcasting!
As the leading organisation for community Landcare groups in the Northern Territory, we support volunteers to improve the health of the natural environment and working landscapes. Through advocacy, education, and resources, we empower communities to adopt sustainable land and water management practices for a healthier future.
2 volunteer opportunities with Landcare NT
#1 Deckchair Fundraising Event
Lend a hand either in the months before Nov 8, or on the night. The fundraiser benefits Weed walkers Top End Landcare Group (who help protect Litchfield NP from invasive gamba grass)
#2: Territory Nature Podcast
Help a new volunteer-run podcast, focusing on all things "nature" in the NT and Kimberley. Help by researching topics, preparing interview questions, promotion of episodes, audio editing or recording! Or just join in and learn as you go. Help in person in Darwin or remotely from anywhere in the NT or Kimberley.
Girl Guides NT - Volunteer Leader roles across the Territory
Girl Guides empowers girls and young women across the Northern Territory to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and discover their leadership potential. Through weekly meetings, camps, community service, and adventure activities, we create opportunities for personal growth and connection in a supportive environment.
As a Volunteer Leader, you will be involved in developing and delivering fun creative activities for girls in a safe and friendly environment. Leaders become part of the Girl Guide Unit. Units are grouped by age from 5 onwards.
You will receive training and support throughout your volunteer journey.
You will be part of a global organisation of over 10 million women and girls.
Variety - The Children's Charity Grants for schools, not‑for‑profits and community groups—helping them access essential resources and opportunities to help kids in need. Funding is available for educational resources, medical equipment and supplies, mobility equipment, technology, play equipment, and vehicle modifications, ensuring children can learn, play and thrive with the support they deserve.
Eligible ABN holders struggling with increased fuel-related operating costs can access the ATO fuel response payment plan. The plan features no upfront payment, 36 monthly instalments, and potential general interest charge remission.
Grants of $10,000 -$150,000 per year to support programs that address specific community needs in the impact areas of financial wellbeing, basic needs, reconciliation, diversity and inclusion and mental health. Applications only accepted during the months of July and December each year.
The Moving Communities Fund is Kinetic’s community grant program helping to improve the livelihoods of the communities in which we live and operate. Closing Date: 24 Jun 2026
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.
Adelaide Head Office L1/300 Flinders Street Adelaide SA 5000 EmailT 08 8221 7177
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Our mailing address is:
Volunteering SA&NT
SA office: L1/300 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA
| NT office: 10 Pavonia Place, Darwin, NT
| Adelaide Head Office: 08 8221 7177 | Darwin Office: 08 8989 4500
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