Media release
Tuesday 19th May 2026
New data from Volunteering Queensland reveals a growing volunteer shortage across the state, with 1 in 6 volunteer roles currently vacant.
The latest snapshot from the statewide Volunteer-Involving Organisation (VIO) Register shows a 17% shortfall in capacity across more than 470 locations, highlighting increasing pressure on community services.
Volunteering Queensland CEO, Jane Hedger said the findings underscore the strain facing organisations delivering essential volunteer support to communities.
“Despite more than 67,000 volunteers contributing through VIOs, demand continues to outpace supply. As communities continue to face fuel and cost of living pressure it becomes harder for people to volunteer, just as they are needed most.
“Two-thirds of locations report needing more volunteers and on average each location requires 37 additional volunteers just to maintain existing support and services,” she said.
The data also highlights the critical role volunteers play in sustaining communities:
- 58% of locations are entirely volunteer-run
- 66% rely on unpaid volunteer coordinators
“Volunteers are the heart of our communities, but right now too many organisations are struggling to fill critical roles,” Ms Hedger said.
“This isn’t about willingness, it’s about capacity. People want to help, but we need to make volunteering easier, more flexible and more accessible.”
The VIO Register, launched during National Volunteer Week in 2025, provides a statewide view of volunteer demand and capacity, helping inform policy, investment and sector development.
“During this year’s National Volunteer Week, we’re committed to working with volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations, governments and communities to understand how we can encourage more people to volunteer, more often,” she said.