What an incredible few weeks it has been for the volunteering sector.
Earlier this month, more than 400 delegates gathered in Adelaide and online for the2026 National Volunteering Conference, exploring this year's theme, Innovation and Impact: Reimagining Volunteering. It was a privilege to welcome volunteer leaders, researchers, policymakers, community organisations and volunteers from across Australia to Kaurna Country for three inspiring days of learning, connection and collaboration.
One message resonated throughout the conference: while volunteering continues to evolve in response to changing social, economic and technological realities, it must remain grounded in what matters most: people, connection, belonging and community.
The conference also highlighted the power of partnership. With financial support from the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS), delegates from across the country were able to participate in this important national gathering. We are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors and partners whose support helped make the conference possible. Our sponsors do far more than support an event. Through their work, they help build stronger communities, support volunteer-involving organisations and contribute to a thriving volunteering sector. If you didn't have the opportunity to connect with them during the conference, I encourage you to learn more about the valuable programs, services and resources they provide.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our staff, volunteers, speakers, facilitators and partners.
This month also saw the launch of the 2026 South Australian State of Volunteering Report, which paints a powerful picture of volunteering across our state. The findings are inspiring, particularly the extraordinary contribution of young people, with almost three-quarters of South Australians aged 15 to 34 participating in volunteering. The report reinforces the importance of continued investment in volunteering, especially at a time when many individuals and organisations are facing increasing financial pressures.
I am particularly encouraged by the South Australian Government's commitment to expand the Student Volunteer Award program, helping to create more opportunities for young people to engage in volunteering and develop the skills, confidence and connections that will shape our future communities.
Looking ahead, we're excited to celebrate National Youth Volunteering Week from 10-16 August. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the energy, ideas and leadership that young people bring to our communities, while encouraging more young people to discover the many benefits of volunteering.
As we reflect on the past month, I want to thank every volunteer, volunteer manager, organisation, partner and supporter who contributes to strengthening our communities. Your generosity and commitment continue to make South Australia a more connected, resilient and compassionate place.
Hamilton Calder Chief Executive Officer
2026 National Volunteering Conference
Thank you for joining us at the 2026 National Volunteering Conference.
Over three inspiring days, more than 400 delegates gathered in Adelaide on Kaurna Country and online to explore this year's theme, Innovation and Impact: Reimagining Volunteering.
Together, volunteer leaders, managers, researchers, policymakers, community organisations and volunteers from across Australia shared ideas, challenged thinking, built connections, and explored the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of volunteering.
From discussions on technology and inclusive innovation to evidence, impact and future leadership, the conference highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring volunteering remains at the heart of strong, connected communities.
On behalf of Volunteering Australia and Volunteering SA&NT, thank you for your participation, contributions and enthusiasm. Your insights and experiences helped make this conference such a valuable and memorable event.
While the conference may have concluded, the conversations continue. Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing additional photos, highlights, stories and reflections from the conference across our channels. We encourage you to stay connected and continue engaging with colleagues and peers across the volunteering sector.
Thank you once again for being part of the 2026 National Volunteering Conference and for the important work you do to support, strengthen and reimagine volunteering in Australia.
1 Million Volunteers. $45 Billion Impact. South Australians are shaping stronger communities through volunteering.
The 2025 State of Volunteering report, recently released by Volunteering SA&NT, and highlighted at last week's 2026 National Volunteering Conference, tells a remarkable story about who we are as a state and community.
A few things that stood out: ➡️ More than 63% of South Australians volunteered in the past year, contributing nearly 295 million hours and $45 billion dollars in value. ➡️ If volunteering were its own industry, it would be SA's largest employer. ➡️ Young South Australians are showing up, with 25 to 34-year-olds having the highest participation rate (74%) and contributing an average of 377 hours each per year. ➡️ Every $1 invested in volunteering returns approximately $4.70 in economic and social value. Beyond the figures, this report captures something we already know – volunteers connect our communities, showing up consistently to make life better for others. Read more about it:
In 2026, it is all about “50 Years of Deadly” – marking five decades of celebrating the strength, culture and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Here in the Territory, it’s a time to come together, get around community, and recognise the generations who’ve kept culture strong and voices heard. It’s not just about looking back – it’s about celebrating where we are now and backing the future.
There are great local events happening across the NT – and an opportunity to get involved, to listen, and connect:
What is it? Ask Izzy is a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more. It is free and anonymous, with thousands of services listed across Australia.
Ask Izzy is used regularly by service providers, government agencies and corporate hardship teams across Australia to help their clients find support.
Ask Izzy takes the hard work out of finding relevant, up-to-date and local support services for your clients, so you don’t get bogged down in admin or referral dead ends.
Want to add or edit your details on Ask Izzy?
If you're a service provider and you're not listed on Ask Izzy, you can add your service detailsvia this simple formon the Ask Izzy website. If you'd like to edit your existing details, please contact Infoxchange:database@infoxchange.org
For more learning and development opportunities from across state and territory Volunteering Peak Bodies, check out the training page on theVolunteering Gateway.
TBCC hosted a recent Defensive Driver Training Day held at The Bend Motorsport Park for our CTSA volunteer drivers.
Over two days, 60 volunteers successfully completed the training, which was a fantastic outcome and a valuable investment in volunteer safety, confidence, and professional development.
This initiative was delivered in partnership with the Rural City of Murray Bridge through a DHS grant facilitated by Amelia Dix, Sector Support & Development (SSD) Project Officer – Murray Mallee Collaborative Project Community Development.
The day really highlighted the professionalism, commitment, and dedication of community transport volunteers, as well as the importance of continuing to invest in training and safety initiatives nationally.
TBCC also engaged a videographer to capture photos and produce a series of short social media reels showcasing the value and impact of volunteer community transport.
The first reel was published on Friday (in conjunction with National Volunteers week) and featured David Jacquier, Program Manager at Volunteering SA&NT.
This is a fantastic example of how SSD and providers can work together and achieve fantastic outcomes for the sector.
Intersectional Volunteering Project for young Aboriginal women.
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, Volunteering SA&NT is proud to recognise the Intersectional Volunteering Project, a co-designed initiative supporting inclusive and culturally safe pathways into volunteering for young Aboriginal women.
Developed in partnership with Dana Shen Consulting and Clear Horizon, the project brings together lived experience, community engagement, developmental evaluation and collaborative design to rethink how volunteering can better reflect the realities, strengths and aspirations of diverse communities. Rather than designing solutions for communities, the project has been shaped with young Aboriginal women, placing their voices and experiences at the centre of the work.
Following its presentation at the National Volunteering Conference, the project continues to build momentum and has been recognised as a best-practice case study in the national Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) Evaluation. It demonstrates the importance of trust-building, flexibility and place-based partnerships in creating volunteering opportunities.
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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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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
