2025 National Volunteer Week Forum
May 22nd, 2025
Connecting Communities
The Centre for Volunteering marked the beginning of National Volunteer Week with the 2025 National Volunteer Week Forum. This is an annual event held at NSW Parliament House, with dozens of volunteers, volunteer leaders and supporters of the sector coming together to celebrate and reflect on the importance of volunteering.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, with this year’s theme: Connecting Communities.
Guests were Welcomed to Country with an informative and engaging presentation by Uncle Michael West from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister Responsible for Volunteering in NSW addressed guests via a special video message, highlighting the importance of celebrating volunteers during National Volunteer Week. To the right is Gemma Rygate, CEO of The Centre for Volunteering, who opened the Forum and introduced guest speakers.
Paul Muller from the Institute of Project Management gave a presentation on the latest sector report: A Snapshot of Volunteering in Australia.
The report is based on the surveys conducted around Australia in 2023 for each State and Territory’s State of Volunteering Report. The report outlines the current state of volunteering in Australia and considers the economic and social value of volunteering, while capturing the unique characteristics of the nation’s volunteer landscape and providing a deeper understanding of its importance. View the report here.
Recognition of Volunteer Leaders
During the Forum, four Volunteer Leaders were recognised for completing the Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs (CHC44015). This nationally recognised training program is available through the National School of Volunteer Management [RTO code 90031].
Congratulations to:
- Amanda Hope from Hammond Care
- Lulu Mitchell from Hammond Care
- Amanda Taylor from Ronald McDonald House Charities
- Michelle Chate from Warrigal
50 Years of supporting and promoting the Volunteering sector.
The Centre is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. We’re grateful to all the individuals and organisations who have helped bring The Centre’s vision to life and who have contributed to its success over the years—from the founding visionaries, to the dedicated staff and volunteers of The Centre, the Board, our members, committee members, researchers, advisors and other contributors who have seen The Centre evolve into the organisation it is today. Download The Centre’s 50th anniversary here.
The Centre was presented with a special commemorative plaque from Mark Rushton, 2015 NSW Volunteer of the Year and founder of BlowFly Cricket, an inclusive all-ability club for children and adults living with special needs and/or intellectual disabilities. Mark addressed guests at the Forum and thanked The Centre for its work in promoting and supporting the volunteering sector for over 50 years.
The Forum concluded with networking and refreshments in the fountain courtyard at NSW Parliament House.
