As we begin the new financial year, it’s a good time to reflect on the strength and significance of volunteering in the Northern Territory.
The recently released NTCOSS Value of the Sector Report highlights not only the substantial economic contribution of volunteers but also the vital role they play in enabling the not-for-profit sector to support our local communities across the Territory. In this V-news edition, I encourage you to read this important report and share your reflections with the Volunteering NT team; your input is invaluable.
In June, Volunteering SA&NT also took part in the Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering – Global Dialogue led by Volunteering Australia, helping shape the path toward IVY 2026. You can read more and find out how to get involved later in this newsletter.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for National Student Volunteer Week from 4–10 August. It’s a chance to celebrate the passion and impact of student volunteers across the Territory. These young people bring energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to community, qualities we are proud to support and promote.
Thank you for your continued support of Volunteering SA&NT, and for all that you do to advance volunteering across the Northern Territory.
Hamilton Calder Chief Executive Officer
NTCOSS Value of the Sector Report
NTCOSS publishes the fourth Value of the Not-for-profit Sector report, building on the three previous reports it commissioned.
"This report once again highlights the social and economic contribution made by the Territory’s charities sector in spite of the significant financial and operational challenges it faces” - Sally Sievers, CEO - NTCOSS.
Key findings related to volunteering:
Volunteering provided $27.3m in economic value add
The number of reported volunteers deployed in the NT increased by 13.6%
There is a clear increase in localised and community-centred activities
Of the 508 registered NT charities, 73.4% had at least one volunteer with 34.6% having 10 or more volunteers in their organisation
Volunteers contribute to achieving the NFP sector’s economic outcomes, such as generating savings for the government and providing increased engagement opportunities for community members.
Volunteer engagement fosters social cohesion, connectivity and belonging in NT communities
Click here to read more about the value of the NFP sector in the NT, and the challenges it faces.
National Student Volunteer Week – Save the date!
National Student Volunteer Week (NSVW) is back from 4–10 August 2025, and it’s time to get excited! This is your chance to spotlight the student volunteers making a difference in classrooms, campuses, and communities across Australia.
This year’s theme, "Powered by Purpose”, will champion the passion, power and purpose behind student-led change. Whether they’re planting trees, mentoring peers, or lending a hand in their local neighbourhood, students are showing up and shaping a brighter future, and we’re here to celebrate them loud and proud.
Now’s the time to start planning how you’ll get involved. Think morning teas, panel chats, social media shoutouts, volunteer expos or DIY mini-volunteering stations. However,ever you choose to celebrate, make it meaningful, visible and student-led!
Download free posters and promo tools to get started
Let’s gather together to recognise student volunteers and inspire even more students to engage in volunteering. Share their stories, shout out their impact, and show the world what student power looks like!
Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering – Global Dialogue Webinar
VSA&NT was excited to join over 125 participants from across Australia’s volunteering ecosystem for the Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering – Global Dialogue forum hosted by Volunteering Australia. With 2026 declared the International Year for Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), now is the time to influence its direction and impact. Guided by the National Strategy for Volunteering, this interactive session explored what needs to change to better recognise and support volunteering, who holds the power to drive that change, and the role Australia can play on the global stage. Insights gathered will help inform the global agenda set to launch in December 2025 in the lead-up to IVY 2026. Here’s how you can contribute to IVY 2026:
Help shape the IVY2026 Global Call to Action by completing the Global Survey, click here (survey closes 5 pm July 9, 2025)
Contribute to the Australian Dialogue by completing this form (survey closes at 5:00 pm. on July 9, 2025).
Stay tuned to VSA&NT communications for updates and ways you can get involved.
NTCOSS Communications & Advocacy Network
Volunteering NT participated in the first NTCOSS Communications & Advocacy Network meeting. It was an opportunity to meet with other Non-For-Profit representatives across the NT, with a focus on building capability, connection, and collective impact through strategic communications.
Volunteering NT looks forward to collaboration arising through future meetings, and the opportunity to share the voice of the local volunteering sector.
COTA NT Seniors Expo in Darwin
Volunteering NT had the pleasure of attending the Darwin Seniors Expo that brought together 100 stallholders and a vibrant crowd of more than 5,000 seniors and community members.
We had the opportunity to connect with many attendees and share the benefits of volunteering, from staying active, connecting with friends, and making meaningful contributions to the community.
It was also a great chance to introduce FreddyMatch, our new volunteer-matching platform that makes finding the right volunteer opportunity of our member organisations easier than ever.
A big thank you to COTA NT (Council on the Ageing Northern Territory Inc.) for hosting such a well-organised and inspiring event. We're excited about the conversations we had and look forward to continuing to connect more seniors with volunteering across the NT.
Darwin Fringe Festival session on Ethical Story Telling
The NT team recently attended Critical Conversations #2: Ethical Storytelling at the Darwin Fringe Festival, an insightful session on how we can share stories involving diverse communities with care, respect and responsibility.
As the peak body for volunteering, we recognise the importance of ethical storytelling in highlighting the work of volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations. This means ensuring stories are co-created, respectful, and amplify authentic voices. The session reinforced our commitment to inclusive communication and to celebrating volunteering in a way that is ethical and empowering.
We can support your volunteer leadership development
Wednesday 30 July 2025 - 9.00am-12.00pm - BOOK HERE
Wednesday 30 July 2025 - 5.30pm-8.30pm - BOOK HERE
VSA&NT Resources Hub
There is a wealth of helpful volunteering resources available to discover and share information within the sector. Explore our recommended volunteering resources to assist with best practice in volunteer management, recruitment and training of volunteers. Plus, resources for volunteers!
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.
