National Volunteer Week 2026

National Volunteer Week is from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May 2026. This special event gives us an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our schools, preschools and children’s centres, and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

The 2026 theme, 'Your Year to Volunteer' celebrates the impact of volunteers and reminds us that everyone is welcome and valued in the world of volunteering, including autistic people, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all genders and sexualities, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Use the hashtag #NVW2026 in your promotions.

How we will recognise volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026

On Monday 18 May, 9.45am to 11.30am at the Adelaide Town Hall, we are launching volunteer week with the departments 'Voices of Volunteering' celebration morning tea.

Volunteers and volunteer coordinators in government schools, preschools and children’s centres will have the opportunity to network and hear from:

• The Minister for Education, Training and Skills
• schools about volunteer programs
• volunteer and student volunteer experiences.

Register to attend the morning tea and launch of National Volunteer Week

Numbers are limited.

Individual school and preschool events

We have resources and information for government schools, preschools and children’s centres to help host their own events to recognise their volunteers during the week on the department’s intranet, recognise and attract volunteers (login required)

How everyone can recognise volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026

Request a Minister’s Award for Outstanding Service for your volunteers

All schools, preschools and children’s centres can apply to recognise individuals or groups who make a significant contribution to others by volunteering. You can nominate as many volunteers as you like.

You can request a certificate at any time of the year. Certificates are signed by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills.

Request a Minister’s Volunteering Award certificate

Register to attend the National Volunteering Conference

The National Volunteering conference ‘Innovation and Impact: Reimagining Volunteering ’ will be on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June 2026 at the National Wine Centre.

The conference will bring together volunteer managers, not-for-profit leaders, researchers, government and corporate representatives, and volunteers to address high-priority issues and explore bold, practical solutions that support the National Strategy for Volunteering.

With a program featuring plenary sessions, workshops, networking events and on-the-ground learning opportunities, this is a must-attend event for anyone working to ensure volunteering thrives now and into the future.

Register and read more about the National Volunteering Conference

About our volunteers

Our volunteer workforce is more than 25,000 people who give their time and share their skills to help children and young people learn and grow.

Our volunteers reflect the diversity of our communities. They include autistic people, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all genders and sexualities, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Our volunteers are parents, families, caregivers, and community members, each bringing their unique skills, expertise, knowledge, and experiences to our schools, preschools, and children’s centres. Their contributions enrich our environments and help create inclusive, supportive spaces for everyone.

Our volunteers help in so many ways – find out why it’s good to volunteer with us.