Queensland Honours Volunteers During National Volunteer Week 2026

The Queensland Government is recognising the vital contribution of volunteers across the State as National Volunteer Week 2026 begins from 18 to 24 May, highlighting the people who dedicate their time to strengthening local communities.

This year's theme, "Your Year to Volunteer", aims to encourage more Queenslanders to get involved in volunteering for the first time, while also celebrating the long-standing commitment of experienced volunteers and the diverse ways people contribute to their communities.

The Crisafulli Government says it is working alongside the volunteer sector to rebuild and strengthen volunteering across Queensland following years of declining participation rates. Formal volunteering reportedly fell by 20 per cent over the past decade, prompting a renewed focus on improving support and reducing barriers for volunteers and organisations.

As part of that commitment, the Government has introduced 18 initiatives designed to strengthen the volunteer sector and create a long-term framework for growth. The measures form part of the response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering and include plans for a new 10-year strategy to guide the future of volunteering in Queensland.

Several major initiatives are already underway, including the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Panel for Volunteering, which will provide direct advice from sector representatives to government on how volunteering can be better supported statewide.

A new whole-of-government Volunteering Working Group has also been created to improve collaboration between departments and deliver more coordinated support to volunteer organisations and community groups.

Regional communities are set to benefit from an additional $250,000 investment into four Volunteer Resource Centres, aimed at improving local support services and helping volunteers continue their work in communities across Queensland.

The Government has also moved to reduce insurance-related red tape for spontaneous disaster recovery volunteers, a change designed to allow volunteers to respond more quickly during emergencies and natural disasters.

Queensland's agricultural show movement will receive an additional $500,000 in funding to support local show societies, volunteers, exhibitors and the regional communities that rely on these events.

Volunteer recognition receptions have also been held across the State, with hundreds of Queenslanders acknowledged for their contribution and lasting impact within their communities.

Queensland Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said National Volunteer Week provided an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who continue to support communities across the State.

"Everywhere you look, you will see Queenslanders helping Queenslanders. This week is the perfect time to shine a light on these remarkable individuals, celebrate their efforts and inspire others to get involved in volunteering," Minister Leahy said.

She said the Government remained committed to delivering stronger support for volunteers and volunteer organisations while continuing work on long-term reforms for the sector.

"In just over a year, we've delivered the Inquiry into Volunteering and our response, and together with the sector, we've begun the work to strengthen volunteering across the state into the future," she said.

Minister Leahy encouraged Queenslanders to consider volunteering in their local communities, saying even small contributions can make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.