Seniors Month is a reminder that contribution and connection don’t retire when you do; in fact, the need for meaning and community only grows. In Queensland, we’re lucky to be surrounded by living proof. Volunteers like Noel Sherrington and Peter Morley, both recipients of the Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award at the 2025 Queensland Volunteering Awards, show just how much senior volunteers keep Queensland thriving.
Volunteers over the age of 65 are at the heart of essential services in Queensland. Every year, older Queenslanders deliver $15.8 billion in value to our state through volunteering. From emergency medical responses and charity drives to grassroots community projects, they do more than just help. They are leaders, organisers, and mentors who bring a depth of experience you simply can’t fake. Replacing the hours they contribute would cost Queensland $4.6 billion a year.
People like Noel Sherrington have dedicated decades to helping others. With more than 14,000 hours volunteered since 1984 with St John Ambulance, Noel has been there through natural disasters, major events, and countless everyday moments that needed a calm, capable hand.
“I think volunteering helps me give back to the community. I’ve learned some skills over the years and being able to volunteer and help other people, this makes me feel a lot better.”
Noel has seen firsthand how important it is for more people to get involved and help Queensland grow and develop. For him, the real reward is simple: “the smiles you get from the people you help make it all worthwhile.”
For volunteers like Noel, the recognition is secondary to the impact.
“It’s quite humbling to tell you the truth, it’s not something you expect when you start volunteering… so it’s quite nice to be recognised.”
Queensland’s volunteer sector also relies on people like Peter Morley, whose work with Meals on Wheels, ShelterBox, Rotary, and community banking has made a measurable difference across the region. Senior volunteers like Peter do far more than turn up; they set up programs, raise funds, and build lasting connections.
“We give freely of our own time; we don’t expect any financial rewards for what we do, and there’s just a sense of reciprocity… we give today because we may well have to receive at some time later.”
This is the real story behind Queensland’s strength: senior volunteers who know how to keep communities together. They train newcomers, steady the ship during challenging times, and bring others along with them, lifting standards, expectations, and morale.
This Seniors Month, we celebrate Queensland’s senior volunteers. Their dedication, skill, and willingness to give back are some of our state’s greatest strengths. Communities are better, safer, and stronger thanks to their quiet commitment and unmissable impact.
Join over 484,200 senior volunteers across Queensland who are staying active, connected, and making a real impact. This Seniors Volunteering program gives you tools, support, and the chance to choose roles that match your skills and interests.
Want to learn more or get involved?
