As we approach the mid-year mark, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Member Survey. Your insights are invaluable and help shape how we support you, develop new initiatives, and improve membership benefits.
As a token of our appreciation, all survey participants were entered into the draw to win a $250 gift card. We’re excited to announce that the winner is Andrew Murdock from Our Town Kimba. Congratulations, Andrew, and thank you for being an engaged member of our community!
Thank you also to those who took part in our Events Survey. We’re delighted to report high satisfaction across our recent events. Your feedback is already helping us plan for an even better year ahead.
We’re also grateful to everyone who has already completed the 2026 South Australian State Election Survey. This survey is helping us understand the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing the volunteering sector and will inform our advocacy to influence volunteering policy into the future. Check out this month’s V-News for a snapshot of the top issues identified to date.
Finally, a quick heads-up that National Student Volunteer Week is just around the corner, running from August 4 to 10. It’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of student volunteers in our communities.
Thank you for your continued support for Volunteering SA&NT, and for everything you do to foster and celebrate volunteering across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Hamilton Calder Chief Executive Officer
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!
Share your Story
Art, Empathy, and Action: Volunteering with Purpose
Both Naomi Knight and Ian Clover volunteer atCare and Share at Trinity, a provider of theCommonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) in Colonel Light Gardens in metro Adelaide. Like many volunteers, their roles with Care and Share are not the first ones they have dedicated their time to. They came to the organisation in different ways:
Naomi, a retired Social Worker, didn’t give up when, unfortunately, she received no answer to the expressions of interest she sent to volunteer ads. She approached Care and Share after seeing their flyer and identifying with the program and their values, and she offered to volunteer there.
Ian responded to an advertised role for a tutor that matched his qualifications, background and interest in art.
They highlight the enjoyment they gain from their interaction with the program participants, giving one-on-one attention to people and adding depth to those relationships with the extra time they have as volunteers.
Hereare their thoughts on their volunteering in a short video-clip. And if you would like more information about the Share your Story project, or you have a story to share, please contact us at:shareyourstory@vsant.org.auor CHSPSSD@vsant.org.au.
2026 State Election Campaign Survey
A big thank you to everyone who’s already had their say in the 2026 South Australian State Election survey. This survey is helping us capture the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing the volunteering sector. The insights gathered will be shared with government, the opposition, and election candidates to help shape policies and programs that support and strengthen volunteering into the future.
Check out the snapshot of the top issues identified to date:
Volunteer recruitment & retention
Funding and resourcing for VIOs
Compliance and screening processes
Ageing volunteer base/lack of younger volunteers
Cost of living & financial barriers for volunteers.
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:
Each session runs for one hour and is completely free to attend. These webinars are a great opportunity for local organisations to connect with national colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. Who knows what great initiatives might emerge from these conversations?
Volunteering SA&NT is proud to continue our partnership with the Australian Refugee Association (ARA), working together to make volunteering more accessible and inclusive for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
This collaboration supports shared goals of empowering individuals through community connection, skill-building, and meaningful engagement. By working alongside ARA, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of the value of volunteering and open up new pathways for diverse communities to get involved.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive volunteering landscape that reflects the richness of our communities and ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.
If you want to learn more about the Australian Refugee Association (ARA), visit their website here.
Explore over 1300 Volunteering Opportunities!
Looking for a way to give back to your community?
Volunteering SA&NT currently has over 1300 volunteering positions available on our website!
Whether you’re interested in social support, event assistance, environmental projects, or skill-based volunteering, there’s an opportunity for everyone.
Visit our website to explore the available roles, apply, or share these opportunities with friends and family. Together, we can make a difference!
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
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