Volunteering Victoria

02/06/2026

Meaningful engagement with First Nations communities starts with trust, deep listening, and a willingness to learn.

At last week's Inclusive Volunteering Special Interest Group, we heard from Glenys Watts – 2025 Victorian Volunteer of the Year and proud Gunaikurnai Elder – who shared practical insights drawn from her lived experience and ongoing commitment to community.

See her top tips below for building respectful relationships with First Nations communities.

🔗 Learn more about : https://buff.ly/crIzdDe
📍 Join our next Special Interest Group (Leadership): https://buff.ly/FW6TMGA

29/05/2026

We welcome Luba Grigorovitch MP as the new Minister for Carers and Volunteers and are pleased to see attention being given to the growing financial pressures facing volunteers.

As reflected in Victoria's State of Volunteering Report, out-of-pocket costs are making it harder for people to volunteer, particularly when combined with the rising cost of living. Considering tax relief is a positive step towards reducing barriers and supporting stronger, more sustainable volunteering.

🔗 About the State of Volunteering research: https://buff.ly/kS9QgXM

This National Volunteer week I wrote to the federal treasurer Jim Chalmers asking the Australian Government to provide tax relief for volunteers.

28/05/2026

Financial support is now available to attend the 2026 National Volunteering Conference in Adelaide!

Co-hosted by Volunteering Australia and Volunteering SA&NT, the conference will take place from 16–18 June 2026 under the theme: 'Innovation and Impact: Reimagining Volunteering'.

Thanks to funding from the Department of Social Services, financial support is available to help volunteer leaders from across Australia attend the conference, with support covering:
✔ Registration
✔ Travel
✔ Accommodation

📅 Applications close: Thursday 4 June 2026 (5:30pm AEST)

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/BqtaKLn

28/05/2026

25/05/2026

Why celebrate for just a week? 😉

Tonight the Bolte Bridge in Melbourne will light up red in celebration of the volunteers who strengthen communities across Victoria every single day.

Because to us, volunteers should be recognised all year round. ❤️


(Thanks to Transurban)

25/05/2026

National Volunteer Week may be over, but recognition shouldn't end there!

There’s still time to celebrate the volunteers and organisations making a difference in communities across Victoria.

Nominations for the 2026 Victorian Volunteering Awards close this Wednesday 27 May.

Already started an entry? 📝
Make sure you submit before the deadline – incomplete nominations won’t be considered.

🔗 Nominate now: http://bit.ly/VicVolAwards2025

24/05/2026

With National Volunteer Week coming to a close, it’s a timely reminder that volunteering never really stops – and it doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.

Whether it’s formal or informal, occasional or ongoing, there is no single 'right way' to volunteer. In all its forms, volunteering is community care in action.

To everyone who has shown up this week – and every week – through big efforts and small acts alike: 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮. You make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected.

And that’s worth celebrating. ❤️

🔗 Read full blog post: https://buff.ly/VMDVyT2

23/05/2026

: Volunteer Stories 📚✨

Jessica found her volunteering community through a love of books, storytelling and connecting with other readers.

As a front-of-house volunteer with Enchanted Readers and Authors Book Events, she helped with registrations and welcoming guests, creating a warm and inclusive experience for fellow book lovers attending the event.

There is no one way to volunteer – often it starts with the things you already love. Make it your and pursue your passions ❤️

🔗 View Jessica's story: https://buff.ly/Mb2UAwX

22/05/2026

: Volunteer Stories ✈️✨

From helping travellers navigate busy terminals to sharing local recommendations, Melbourne Airport Experience Ambassadors go the extra mile to welcome visitors to Victoria.

Recognisable in their bright melon blazers, these passionate volunteers support passengers with directions, local insight and a friendly face amid the buzz of the airport environment.

And what do they get back in return?
• A sense of connection and community with like-minded people
• New knowledge about tourism and airport operations
• Opportunities to experience some of Victoria’s top attractions
• A healthy daily step count! 👟

Volunteering is about giving back, but it's no secret you gain just as much along the way. Make it your and find your community ❤️

🔗 Read full story: https://buff.ly/Mb2UAwX
🔗 Learn more about the Ambassador Program: https://buff.ly/O9jHUD8