Celebrating volunteers

Highlighting and thanking the efforts of Western Australia’s volunteers.
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There are many events and activities held throughout the year that highlight and celebrate the dedication of Western Australia's volunteers. These initiatives help to raise awareness among the wider community of the importance of volunteering, acknowledge individuals for their volunteer service, and draw attention to the positive impacts volunteering has on our communities.

Learn more

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is Australia's biggest annual celebration of volunteering, highlighting local volunteers and their wide-ranging contributions to Australian society. 

Held each May, the week is packed with events which honour volunteers and their impact, including the Department of Communities WA Volunteer Service Awards and the Western Australian Volunteer of the Year awards, coordinated by Volunteering WA.

National Student Volunteer Week

National Student Volunteer Week is an opportunity to promote, acknowledge and celebrate the impact that student volunteers make to their communities through their volunteering efforts.

Coordinated and delivered nationally by Volunteering Queensland since 2013 and supported by Volunteering WA in Western Australia, National Student Volunteer Week 2025 will be celebrated from 4-10 August.

The theme for 2025 is Powered by Purpose, focussing on the motivations that drive young volunteers. It’s about the fuel, values, beliefs, and passion that inspire students and young people to contribute to causes they care about.

Please go to the National Student Volunteer Week website for more information

International Volunteer Managers Day

International Volunteer Managers Day is celebrated around the world on 5 November each year and celebrates the profession of volunteer leadership.

Every day across Western Australia thousands of paid and unpaid volunteer managers support our State’s approximately 523,000 volunteers to deliver services to their communities.

International Volunteer Day

Each year on December 5, International Volunteer Day is celebrated in Western Australia and around the world, thanking dedicated and selfless volunteers for their outstanding efforts and raising awareness of the important contributions of volunteers.

The Department of Communities provides grants to organisations around the State each year to host events for International Volunteer Day. The International Volunteer Day Grants program is closed for 2025.

Volunteering WA’s Annual International Volunteer Day Garden Party

Volunteering WA hosts the annual garden party, at Government House, on the Thursday closest to International Volunteer Day.

More than 500 volunteers attend the event each year to celebrate the contributions of thousands of volunteers across the State.

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