“Those who give to others are generally happy themselves”

As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week, the Governor-General and peak-volunteering bodies voice their support for the millions of volunteers who have made significant contributions to the community and to the economy.

Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, said: “Volunteers come from all backgrounds and walks of life, and their generosity can be seen across the entire community.

“They pitch in during times of emergency, they are the heart and soul of so many Charities, they provide support and assistance to the elderly, and they help out at our schools and hospitals and sporting events and so much more.”

Volunteering Australia CEO, Adrienne Picone, said: “National Volunteer Week is a key moment to celebrate the important contributions volunteers make across all sectors of the community, and how this impact is indispensable socially, culturally and economically across the country.”

With the link between support volunteers and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 Agenda recognises that volunteers are “essential stakeholders to achieving and supporting all 17 SDG” and that volunteers “effectively facilitate all SDGs by raising awareness, inspiring or engaging in grassroots efforts.”

Research shows that volunteering yields a 450 per cent return for every dollar invested. This is an estimated annual economic contribution of $290 billion.

“One in three Australian’s volunteer in formal settings through organisations and institutions,” Picone said. “This does not account for the millions of Australians who informally give their time to volunteer through other activities and initiatives.”

However, volunteering numbers are rapidly declining. A recent report revealed more than 35 per cent of 10,000 rural Australian volunteers were planning to leave the sector, citing a lack of services and high costs of access.

“With a decline in the number of people volunteering, particularly in the sectors with the highest unmet demand, such as disability support, aged care and community mental health, Volunteering Australia is encouraging people to start volunteering in their local community, as even short-term volunteerism can make a significant impact on society,” said Picone.

Cosgrove said that volunteering is “part of the Australian way”, and would always be “part of our nation, part of the way we look out for each other”.

“The volunteering spirit makes a difference to the lives of others and makes Australia a more caring and passionate and cohesive place,” Cosgrove said.

“And for nearly six million Australians who volunteer, they also benefit from making new friends, developing new skills and being involved in the community. We also know that those who give to others are generally happy themselves.”