As we prepare to celebrate National Volunteer Week (18–24 May), it is timely to recognise the essential role volunteers play in communities across the country.
I began my own journey in the not-for-profit sector as a volunteer, so I know first-hand the difference that giving time and energy to a cause can make – not only to organisations and communities, but to volunteers themselves.
Each year, millions of Australians freely give their time and expertise. Without them, much of the work charities do simply wouldn’t be possible. We look at the contribution volunteers make to registered charities – the number of volunteers involved are reported to us by each charity and we collate this data. Our Charity by numbers: the volunteer effect report highlights the significance of this contribution. The report found more than 22,000 registered charities were entirely volunteer-run in the 2023 reporting period — around 43% — supported by over half a million volunteers.
While many volunteer-run charities were small (with annual revenue under $500,000), together their contribution really adds up. Just in revenue (a simple dollar measurement), they generated around $4.3 billion. From parent groups to surf lifesaving clubs and faith-based organisations, they strengthened social connections, responded to local needs and delivered vital services.
However, these charities are facing challenges. They typically had less access to government funding, felt regulatory requirements more acutely, and were navigating rising costs and demand – often needing to do more with limited resources. Encouragingly, after a decline over several years, the charity-reported volunteer count rose in the 2023 reporting period and soon we will be able to report to you the figures for the 2024 reporting period.
Many others speak about how enriching volunteering can be. Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) facilitator, Diane McDonald echoed my perspective in our volunteer-run charities report. ‘Volunteers are our lifeblood...without doubt, as volunteers, we gain more than we give.’
Another organisation featured in the report, Clean Up Australia, attracted the largest numbers. Over 35 years, more than 23 million Aussies had participated in Clean Up Australia activities. What an amazing story and also impact on the health and amenity of our environment
Acknowledging volunteers and sharing their impact matters. Charities that tell their story well – supported by evidence and data – build trust and reputation, which in turn helps attract volunteers.
The Charity Register is an important starting point for those considering options. Prospective volunteers can find charities aligned with their interests and information about how organisations operate. People want to volunteer for reputable, accountable charities.
With more than two million searches in the last financial year, keeping Charity Register information up to date is more important than ever. If your charity reports to the ACNC on a calendar year – from 1 January to 31 December – the due date to submit your 2025 Annual Information Statement (AIS) is 30 June. I encourage you to visit the 2025 AIS Hub, log in to the Charity Portal, and submit your AIS on time. If you need help, watch our AIS webinar (which takes you step by step through the process) or contact us.
Next month, I’m looking forward to speaking at the National Volunteering Conference in Adelaide, where people from across the sector will come together to explore issues and solutions that support the National Strategy for Volunteering. The impact of volunteers is not something we can ever take for granted. To everyone who gives their time in the service of others – thank you. Your contribution truly makes a difference.
Warm regards,
Sue Woodward AM