As we move into April, the momentum is truly building across the volunteering sector, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.
One of the biggest highlights on our calendar is the 2025 Northern Territory Volunteer of the Year Awards – and it’s been fantastic to see the energy and enthusiasm already surrounding this year’s nominations.
These Awards are all about recognising the passion, dedication, and impact of volunteers, volunteer managers and volunteer-involving organisations right across the NT. With seven unique award categories, there’s a space to celebrate everyone – from young changemakers and emergency services volunteers, to grassroots groups and long-standing community organisations.
Already, we’ve seen a wave of thoughtful, inspiring nominations flowing in – each one telling a story of contribution, connection, and community spirit. It’s a powerful reminder of just how vital volunteers are to the fabric of the Territory.
The Awards ceremonies during National Volunteer Week in May promise to be a meaningful celebration of that impact and a chance for us all to come together in gratitude and recognition.
Thank you again for everything you do to support and grow volunteering. Please reach out if we can assist you or your organisation in any way. I can’t wait to see the amazing nominations roll in and to connect with you at the Awards ceremony in May!
Hamilton Calder Chief Executive Officer
Nominations now open for the 2025 NT Volunteer of the Year Awards!
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Northern Territory Volunteer of the Year Awards, and we invite you to nominate an outstanding individual or group.
These awards recognise and celebrate the impact volunteers, volunteer managers, and volunteer involving organisations have in building resilient communities, services and connections across the whole of Northern Territory.
There are a total of 7 award categories in 2025 that offer a number of opportunities to nominate an individual or group and recognise and celebrate their impact.
The Awards ceremonies are being held during National Volunteer Week, it is a fantastic way to recognise your volunteers, volunteer managers, groups and organisations across the NT!
Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award - The prestigious Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates people whose volunteering has made a remarkable difference for a community, group, organization or cause in the NT.
This award is open to individuals 24 years old and over.
Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award - Celebrates the enthusiasm, initiative and leadership of young people whose volunteering has made a remarkable difference for a community, group, organisation of cause.
This award is open to individuals under 24 years old.
Chief Minister’s Community Volunteer Organisation/Team of the Year Award - Celebrates the commitment, impact and importance of clubs/teams / units / organisations that that provided local services, led positive change, or supported social and community life in the NT.
This award is open to organisations (for profit or not for profit) of any size.
Grassroots Group of the Year Award - Celebrates the commitment, impact and importance of grassroots groups that have provided local services, led positive change, or supported social and community life in the NT.
This award is open to groups that are entirely volunteer led and operated, with a turnover of less than $50,000 or less a year.
Excellence in Volunteer Management Award - Presented in acknowledgment of a salaried or non-salaried individual, group or volunteer management program that has demonstrated good practice in the management of volunteers and volunteer programs.
This award is open to a salaried or non-salaried individual or for-profit or not-for profit organisation of any size, across all sectors and regions in the NT
NTES Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award - Acknowledges a dedicated and passionate individual with exceptional volunteer achievement, (which may include volunteer management), within an emergency service, whose significant contribution and enthusiasm for volunteering is an inspiration to others.
This award is open to individuals 24 years old and over.
NTSESVA Emergency Services Youth Volunteer of the Year Award - Recognises the enthusiasm of young people volunteering in an emergency services area.
This award is open to individuals under 24 years old.
Certificates of Appreciation are not being offered this year.
Nominations will close at 12:00pm on Tuesday 15 April 2025
On Friday, March 14th, Study in Australia's Northern Territory hosted an event to welcome over 200 international students to the Northern Territory.
Amidst the fun, Mita Das from Volunteering NT highlighted the many benefits of volunteering for newly arrived migrants,
including boosting self-confidence, improving English language skills, expanding networks, and, of course, making new friends.
It was truly inspiring to witness so many young people embarking on this new chapter of their lives, eager to contribute to the rich multicultural fabric that makes the NT so special.
NT Sailing Summit
Volunteering NT was delighted to attend the Summit hosted by Darwin Sailing Club on Saturday, 15th March. It was wonderful to meet members of the Darwin, Dinah Beach and Gove sailing clubs.
Volunteering NT shared information about our membership, online advertising for volunteer opportunities, and trends in volunteering for NT and nationally.
A big thank you to everyone for sharing your time and asking really great questions!
Stand out without competing! How to build a unique Brand Identity
Does your volunteer recruitment strategy consist of reaching out to the same reliable but overstretched networks? Or do you use a scattergun approach and hope for the best? Most of us just want more volunteers. For those of us in regional areas, sometimes it can feel like we’re competing for the same pool of people. What if we had a brand identity that resonated with and attracted new volunteers who align with what we do?
So, if you’re ready to try a different approach, then join this interactive online workshop with engaging exercises and discussions to help you:
Define Your Mission: Encapsulate your brand's core values and unique selling proposition.
Visualise Your Brand: Identify key keywords that refine your visual direction and messaging.
Position Yourself: Understand your market positioning and differentiate yourself from competitors.
Register now and start building a brand that truly stands out!
And don’t forget to register for May’s workshop, where you will learn how to deploy your brand identity and ‘Become a Volunteer Magnet!’
To register and see our other learning and development opportunities, head to ourwebsite!
National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
In collaboration with The Centre for Volunteering we will be exploring the 8 National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, dedicating one standard to each month. Each national session will be followed a week later by a panel discussion featuring experts, providing insights and practical applications.
April sessions focus on Standard 2: Commitment to Volunteer Involvement
National Standards Deep Dive
Thursday, 10th April 2025, at 1:00 PM
Facilitator: Diana Piper, Volunteer Management Lead, The Centre for Volunteering National Standards
Mimal Land Management is an Indigenous owned and operated organisation focused on bringing benefits to country and culture for Dalabon, Rembarrnga and Mayili landowners and people of south-central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. The name Mimal is derived from the Dalabon word for fire in the landscape.
Mimal’s key priorities include fire management, controlling invasive weeds and feral animals, saving native species, maintaining strong culture and ensuring sustainable visitor management across the entire Indigenous Protected Area (roughly the size of Kakadu National Park). Mimal is working towards the creation of a volunteer program that contributes to the vision and priorities of its 300 members, and the landowners and people of south-central Arnhem Land.
Royal Flying Doctors Service - Simulator Volunteers
Our simulator volunteers' principal roles will involve driving the simulator to events, setting up (some lifting involved), and showing the public through. Events are spasmodic but generally 3-8 hours in length. Some intrastate travel may be required, and accommodation will be provided.
Minor community grants aim to improve the capacity of not-for-profit organisations to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities to Territorians.
This program aims to support small to medium-sized projects run by charitable organisations which offer a direct and tangible benefit to local communities.
This program aims to provide meaningful support for community initiatives addressing specific areas of need. There are three funding categories available:
- Climate resilience: Aims to provide support and mitigation options for communities to become more resilient and prepared for climate impacts.
- Inclusion: Aims to increase access to opportunities and resources for the groups in the communities who experience exclusion or are marginalised in society.
- QBE employee choice: Reserved for QBE employees based in Australia to apply for a grant in collaboration with a charity they work with or feel passionately about. Employees will be asked to provide details of their experience with the charity.
Multiple grants of $50,000 will be awarded per category in 2025.
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!
20 May 2025 | NT Volunteer Awards Ceremony - Central Australia
23 May 2025 | NT Volunteer Awards Ceremony - Top End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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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