The 2016 Census was released today, with data revealing that Australians are still engaged and committed to volunteering activities.

Recently, Volunteering Australia asked for your help to save crucial resources for volunteering support services by signing their tower of strength petition.

Researchers Claire Ellis and Dr Megan Paull have updated the frequently asked questions on the definition of volunteering.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have launched a national public consultation on statistics for volunteering and giving to clarify the data needs for information on volunteering and giving activity. The Australian Census has included an unchanged volunteering question in the past three Censuses. In light of this, the ABS is considering questions for Census 2021 and reviewing the questions accordingly.

Volunteering Australia appreciates the opportunity to provide a response on statistics for volunteering and giving activity. We would like to acknowledge the importance of volunteering to the Australian communities’ workforce participation, inclusion and social cohesion. There would be a gap in skills and services without Australia’s volunteering sector.

Volunteering Australia has provided a summary analysis of the key budget measures from the 2017-18 Federal Budget and how it will impact the volunteering sector. We are disappointed that volunteering has been overlooked in this budget. 

Nathanial is a Year 10 student from Parklands Christian College who is enrolled in the CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering through our Students As Active Volunteers Initiative (SAAVI).

Nathanial loves sport and has a passion for giving back to his sporting community. He has dedicated time to volunteering at the Jimboomba Little Athletics Centre where he undertakes a variety of tasks including coaching younger athletes.

During National Volunteer Week, 8-14 May, the 2017 Queensland Volunteering Awards were held to acknowledge the efforts of thousands of volunteers, volunteer managers, and volunteer-involving organisations in bringing about positive change within their communities.

The awards presentation and recognition ceremony was held on Friday 12 May in the Brisbane Room of Brisbane City Hall.

Volunteering Queensland's Emergency Volunteering team is managing all volunteer offers of assistance to support communities affected by Cyclone Debbie.

Volunteering Australia is delighted that a motion from Senator Louise Pratt today passed in the Senate. The motion calls on the government to recognise the importance of funding volunteer management services and Volunteering Australia’s campaign to retain funding for volunteer management as part of the Federal Budget. We thank Senator Louise Pratt and Senator Jacqui Lambie for their support.

Today, on Valentine’s Day, Volunteering Australia and State and Territory Peak partners hosted the ‘Share the Love’ for Volunteer Support Services event at Australian Parliament House to kick off a national volunteering advocacy campaign. Minister for Social Services Christian Porter MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for Families and Social Services Louise Pratt spoke at the event, attended by politicians and representatives of volunteer support services from around the country.