The Centre for

About

As the peak body for volunteering in NSW, The Centre For Volunteering conducts many activities that relate to research, policy and advocacy. We take pride in the work that we do to better understand the needs, motivations, and value of volunteers in NSW, and the way that we leverage this research when consulting with the government to improve outcomes for the sector. 

On this page you can find the resources and material that we have produced in the course of our research and advocacy. 

Research

The Centre produces research, case studies, and discussion papers to support our understanding of the sector and ensure we have accurate data to support our policy positions and advocacy campaigns.

This research would not be possible without the continued contributions of the sector, our government partners and report authors. 

You can find our recent research below as well as an archive of older material. 

2024 NSW State of Volunteering Supplementary Reports

Following the 2023 NSW State of Volunteering Report, focus groups were convened across NSW to delve deeper into the themes of volunteering in sport, older persons and volunteering, volunteering and youth, rural and regional volunteering, and women in volunteering, resulting in five supplementary reports. 

Read the Report

2023 NSW State of Volunteering Report

The State of Volunteering Report presents a detailed examination of the characteristics of volunteers and volunteer management in NSW. 

Read the Report

2023 NSW Multicultural Volunteering Report

This report provides valuable context, from which the motivations, barriers and impacts of volunteering practices within multicultural communities can be measured and recognised. 

Read the Report

Policy and Advocacy

The Centre’s work, including that of its members and their volunteers, is supported by ongoing advocacy efforts, including a range of planned communication activities and tools including campaigns, media, social media, online fora, and e-newsletters.

The Centre proactively uses these channels to engage, inform and respond to and on behalf of its audience.

The Centre regularly meets with Government Agencies and Peaks regarding volunteers, Volunteer Managers, and related policy and sector issues. 

Policy Positions

  • 2024 Not-for-Profit Blueprint: Read our response to the Synthesis Report on a proposed roadmap for the not-for-profit sector.
  • 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission: Read the recommendations that The Centre made to the Federal Treasury regarding its approach to volunteering in the current Federal Budget. 
  • 2024-25 NSW Budget Analysis: Read our analysis of the main impacts on the volunteering sector from the current NSW Budget. 

Advocacy and Submissions

  • Voices of Volunteering Podcast Channel: The Voices of Volunteering channel is an easy way to hear expert advice, industry news, and inspirational stories from the NSW Volunteering sector. 
  • Response to the Department of Social Services “Stronger, Diverse and Independent Community Services Sector” Report: Read our submission to the Federal Government about how it should best support the community services sector in Australia. 
  • Submission and Response to the Productivity Commission “Future Foundations for Giving” draft report: Read our initial submission and our response to the Report from the Federal Government’s inquiry into how philanthropic giving is best supported in Australia. 
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