September has brought important developments for the volunteering sector, while also giving us plenty to look forward to as we head into the final months of the year.
The launch of the National Sport Volunteering Action Plan 2026-2029 is a welcome step towards strengthening volunteering in community sport. With a focus on making volunteering easier to start, share and sustain, the Plan recognises the importance of practical support for volunteers and the clubs and organisations that rely on them.
Closer to home, I encourage volunteer-involving organisations to familiarise themselves with the changes to the Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card) scheme, which came into effect on 1 September. For organisations engaging volunteers who work with children, understanding the new requirements is an important part of maintaining safe and supportive volunteering environments.
As we move into October, we’re excited to bring our Learning & Development Roadshow to Darwin and Alice Springs later in the month. Registrations are coming through, and I encourage volunteer managers, coordinators and organisations to get involved. These sessions are an opportunity for practical learning, local conversations and, importantly, connection with others working across the volunteering sector.
We’re also looking ahead to International Volunteer Managers Day on 5 November. Volunteer managers and coordinators are fundamental to creating positive volunteering experiences, welcoming, supporting and empowering volunteers to make their contribution. I encourage organisations across the Territory to take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people who make volunteering possible.
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening volunteering across the Northern Territory.
Hamilton Calder Chief Executive Officer
Changes to the Working with Children Clearance scheme
The Northern Territory Government has announced changes to the Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card) scheme to strengthen child safety and improve screening processes.
From 1 September 2026, new application and renewal forms must be used, featuring updated consent requirements and new self-disclosure questions. The reforms also include improved national information sharing, enhanced digital services, and future plans for greater consistency across Australia.
Organisations and volunteers who require an Ochre Card are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new requirements.
The National Sport Volunteering Action Plan 2026-29 has been launched by the Australian Sports Commission to strengthen sport volunteering across Australia. Built around the vision of making volunteering easier to start, easier to share, and easier to sustain, the Plan outlines 14 actions designed to better support volunteers, sporting clubs and communities.
The Plan focuses on practical, achievable change by building on existing resources, keeping solutions simple, and supporting clubs to address challenges they cannot solve alone. It encourages a shared commitment across the sport sector to attract, retain and support volunteers, ensuring community sport remains strong and sustainable into the future
Volunteer leadership does not come with clear instructions or neat step‑by‑step diagrams. Instead, you are navigating complexity, competing demands, and constant change while trying to do right by volunteers, organisations, and communities.
The Advanced Volunteer Management Symposium 2026 is a five‑week online experience, beginning on 28 October, designed to give you space, tools and peer connection to rise to this moment and think beyond basics.
Invitations have now been issued to members for our Annual General Meeting on 21 October 2026.
The meeting will be held in Adelaide, but live streamed via Zoom, enabling regional South Australian and Northern Territory members to attend and participate online.
Please refer to your invitation for full meeting and registration details.
Volunteers are critical to making competitors and spectators have a fantastic experience.
There are many opportunities available to volunteer with the Masters Games.
It is such a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with helping make the Masters Games the Friendly Games!
There are volunteer roles across Sports Help, Sports Medicine, and Games Operations.
Katherine Citizen of the Year 2027
Katherine Town Council is inviting nominations for the 2027 Citizen of the Year Awards.
On Australia Day, communities across the Northern Territory present Citizen of the Year Awards in three categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.
This is your chance to recognise the unsung Katherine heroes of 2026.
To mark the day, the DiversAbility Collective, a network of Darwin-based organisations from the social service and disability sectors working together to build a capital city that is inclusive of all people, will host the DiversAbility Fun Day.
To get involved as a stall holder contact on Thursday 3 December 2026 at the Territory Netball Stadium in Marrara.
We’re excited to invite our Darwin and Alice Springs members to the Volunteering SA&NT Learning & Development Roadshow Workshop in Alice Springs on Thursday 29October and in Darwin on Friday 30 October, 4:30pm.
Designed specifically for volunteer managers, coordinators, leaders and volunteer-involving organisations, this interactive workshop will provide an opportunity to connect,
share experiences and explore practical strategies to strengthen volunteer engagement and management.
For more learning and development opportunities from across state and territory Volunteering Peak Bodies, check out the training page on theVolunteering Gateway!
Resources to empower small and grassroots groups
Are you part of a small community group powered by volunteers?
The National Knowledge Base has launched a dedicated collection of resources designed to support Micro Volunteer-Involving Organisations (VIOs) and groups.
Drawing on the experiences and insights of grassroots organisations nationwide, the directory brings together practical articles, tools, and resources to help organisations strengthen their volunteer programs, build good practice, and navigate common challenges. While the collection has been curated with smaller organisations in mind, the information is relevant and valuable for volunteer programs of all sizes.
👉 Visit the National Knowledge Base today and explore resources designed to help grassroots organisations thrive.
Strengthen volunteer involvement through its range of free legal resources and tools.
In this Youtube video, learn how Justice Connect can help your organisation navigate common legal questions and strengthen volunteer involvement through its range of free legal resources and tools.
Help Shape the Future of Landcare in the Northern Territory
Are you passionate about community, sustainability, and the environment?
Landcare NT is seeking volunteer Board Directors to help guide the organisation through an exciting period of growth and support community-led action to protect and enhance the Territory's natural environment.
This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute your skills, experience, and leadership while making a lasting impact for future generations.
People with expertise and skills in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:
Governance, risk and compliance - Strategy and business development
Financial management, fundraising and revenue diversification
Environmental management and/or community development
Board and executive leadership experience.
The role is flexible, home-based, and requires approximately one hour per week.
Join a dedicated organisation that supports volunteers and community groups across the NT and help strengthen the Landcare movement for years to come.
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
This email and any attachments may contain confidential information and is intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email immediately. Any confidentiality or copyright is not waived or lost because this email has been sent to you in error. It is your responsibility to check this email and any attachments for viruses. No warranty or representation is made that this material is free from computer virus or any other defect or error. Any loss/damage incurred by using this material is not the sender's responsibility. The sender's entire liability will be limited to resupplying this material.
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
