Volunteers: Everyday people, extraordinary contribution
National Volunteer Week (NVW), 11–17 May 2009, is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 5 million Australians who volunteer.
Australian volunteers are essential to society, and many charities would struggle to survive without the support of their volunteers. Australian volunteers contribute more than 700 million hours of community service to so many areas of society, including community health care, heritage and arts, environment conservation, emergency services, education, social justice and sports. NVW provides a platform to pay tribute to these volunteers who donate their time and energy to help others.
The Centre's National Volunteer Week Celebrations
Launch of the 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award
Award run and presented by The Centre for Volunteering Launch hosted by the Westpac Foundation
Monday, 11 May 2009, Westpac (invitation only)
After the success of the first two NSW Volunteer of the Year Award programs, The Centre for Volunteering and Award Patron and Minister for Volunteering, the Hon. Graham West, are looking forward to launching this year's Award at Westpac. Nominations will open on 11 May and can be made online via the Award website or by completing a print version of the nomination form. The Awards will be announced and presented on 5 December 2008, International Volunteer Day.
Thank You Afternoon Teas for Volunteers
Hosted by The Centre for VolunteeringMonday–Friday, 11–15 May 2009, 3pm–4pm, The Centre's Board Room
The Centre will host a series of 'thank you' afternoon teas for its in-house volunteers during National Volunteer Week. To be held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, at The Centre for Volunteering, the afternoon teas will be a great opportunity for The Centre's Board, staff and volunteers to take some time out of their busy days, catch up, reflect over the past year at The Centre, while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.
Charity Week Volunteer Recognition Reception
Hosted by FIA and The Centre for VolunteeringFriday, 15 May 2009, Parliament House (invitation only)
The Charity Week Volunteer Recognition Reception and Luncheon is an opportunity for not-for-profit organisations to recognise and say thank you for the wonderful assistance received from its many volunteers. Organisations are invited to choose one volunteer, perhaps an "unsung hero", to represent the many volunteers who assist their organisation.
Download the event flyer
VA's National Volunteer Week Information and Resources
NVW 2009 Theme
The 2009 theme for National Volunteer Week is: Volunteers: Everyday people, extraordinary contribution.
This theme carries the message that everyone has something of value to offer and that every volunteer's contribution, no matter how big or small, is extraordinary because that person cares enough to be a volunteer. More
How your organisation can celebrate NVW
Great tips for your organisation to help celebrate NVW and ... spread the word, utilise VA's free stuff, contact the media and recognise your volunteers. More
NVW free resources and downloads
Volunteering Australia's website provides not-for-profit organisations with National Volunteer Week resources to download including:
- National Volunteer Week (NVW) Certificate of Appreciation
- National Volunteer Week (NVW) Logo
- PDF [228kb]
- JPEG [100kb]
- EPS [431kb]
- Please read the guidelines for using the NVW logo.
- National Volunteer Week (NVW) Posters Printed posters are still available, send Volunteering Australia an email with your mailing address and the quantities required.
- Radio Ads – Community Service Announcements (CSAs)
- Radio CSA National Volunteer Week_30 seconds | MP3 [1175kb]
- Radio CSA National Volunteer Week_30 seconds | MP3 [1103kb]
- CSA GoVolunteer_30 seconds | MP3 [1181kb]
You can place these graphics on your website and link them through to the NVW 2009 url – www.volunteeringaustralia.org/nvw