In recent years, Australia has witnessed a concerning decline in volunteer numbers, posing challenges for communities and volunteer-involving organizations. The ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods sheds light on this issue, revealing a slow recovery in formal volunteering since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Number of people volunteering and how often they volunteer is down!
The statistics are revealing. While the proportion of people volunteering has shown a slight increase over the past year, it remains below pre-COVID levels.
2019, 36% of Australians volunteered
2022, 26.7%
2023, 32.6% but… despite this uptick, there’s a notable decrease in the average number of hours volunteered per person, with the average dropping from 180 hours in 2022 to 151 hours in 2023.
The need for Volunteers is up!
This decline becomes more critical when considering the rising cost of living and the increased demand for services provided by volunteers.
Volunteering, defined as “time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain,” plays a crucial role in supporting communities, especially during challenging times.
Despite the decline in volunteering, the demand for volunteer services remains high. A staggering 83% of Australian volunteer organizations reported needing more volunteers immediately or in the near future.
Volunteering benefits the Community, the Organisation and the Volunteers
These trends have significant implications, not just for volunteer organizations but for the broader Australian community. Volunteering has been shown to contribute directly to the economy, often supporting sectors and activities not adequately funded by the government or the market.
Moreover, volunteering positively impacts the well-being of volunteers, offering a sense of meaning, satisfaction, and social interaction. Volunteers can develop skills, experience different workplaces and network in the community, aiding personal and professional development if desired.
Get involved in 2024.
With around 180 different volunteer roles here in Far North Queensland alone, and more being listed each week, there are opportunities for everyone. Whether you can spare just one hour or have a specific interest or skill set, there’s a volunteer role that suits your availability, interests and ability.
It’s time for Australians to come together, reignite the spirit of volunteering, and bridge the gap that has emerged in recent years. By doing so, we not only support our communities but also enrich our own lives through meaningful contributions and connections.
We know Queenslanders have community spirit, so sign up to volunteer today – your time makes a huge difference!
You can call FNQ Volunteers on 07 40417400 to have a chat with our friendly team who can help find the right volunteer role and organisation for you.
