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read moreCommunity events and sport across Australia are struggling as a result of falling numbers of volunteers, leading to cancellations.
Having a specific impact in country Australia, events such as the Theodore Show in outback Queensland will not go ahead in 2025 because of a lack of volunteers.
Similarly, the Scouts group in the town of Gemfields in central Queensland ceased operations a few weeks ago due to a lack of volunteers while a Lions Club Christmas street party in the town of Longreach has also been cancelled this year for the same reason.
Similarly, community sport clubs across regional Australia are also struggling to retain administrators, managers and coaches for leagues and teams.
Earlier this year, a report from Volunteering Australia with the latest national volunteering data, advised that between 2019 and 2022, the number of formal volunteers declined by 1.86 million.
The report also revealed that rates of volunteering have been gradually declining since 2002, when around one-third of adults volunteered. Today, only a quarter of Australians volunteer.
At the time of the release of the report, Volunteering Australia Chief Executive, Mark Pearce stated “there’s been a long-term decline in volunteering.
“Of course, during COVID that number fell precipitously, and while numbers have recovered somewhat, they’re still not back to the pre-pandemic levels and that’s problematic.”
The report noted that the cost of living and generational changes have shifted the way people are volunteering, explaining "as the cost-of-living crisis bites, volunteers are vital in supporting our communities and helping those who are struggling in the challenging economic climate."
Providing insights into how volunteering, the report also highlighted that "more flexible volunteering opportunities have emerged, and the wellbeing benefits of volunteering are particularly important in challenging times.
"Unmet demand for volunteers in sectors traditionally supported by the volunteering community has increased due to the ongoing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.
"People are finding it difficult to prioritise volunteering, or afford the potential costs associated, such as transport or fuel.
"In fact, a quarter (26%) of young people say they don’t volunteer due to financial reasons, while just over half (54%) of volunteers say they’ve incurred out-of-pocket expenses from volunteering.”
That report also flagged volunteering in regional, remote, and rural Australia was significantly affected by COVID.
The biggest concern was that current volunteers were getting older and looking to finish up their community roles.
In its 10-year strategic plan released in 2023, Scouts Australia acknowledged its high volunteer-driven model was its "greatest vulnerability", due to volunteers being "less willing to make the intense and sustained time commitment required to be an adult in scouting".
Back in 2012, a report from the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc (QCAS) advised of the importance of volunteers to agricultural shows, highlighting the importance of recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers and stating that "without them the show movement will definitely cease to exist."
Image courtesy of Sport Australia Volunteer Week.
2nd October 2024 - ASC opens nominations for Sports Volunteer of the Year
20th August 2024 - UNSW safety research shows volunteer surf lifesavers have sole responsibility for patrolling NSW beaches just 14.4% of the time
28th July 2024 - Newcastle volunteers enhance environment on National Tree Day
6th June 2024 - Volunteers to be honoured at 2024 NSW Sports Awards
29th January 2024 - Community football volunteer among recipients of Parramatta’s Citizen of the Year Awards
28th October 2023 - Community sports club volunteers key to driving female participation
12th October 2023 - SportWest launches industry-wide employee and volunteer assistance program
9th October 2023 - Sport and active recreation volunteers supported in Northern Territory
23rd September 2023 - Funding helps volunteers protect Victoria’s natural environment
15th September 2023 - Grassroots sport and recreation volunteers in Victoria supported with new funding
12th September 2023 - Northern Territory grassroots sports volunteers given greater access to resources and funding
11th September 2023 - Disability Sports Australia partners with Rosterfy to manage volunteer program
11th August 2023 - Volunteer networks celebrated across NSW during Landcare week
3rd August 2023 - 20,000 volunteer hours help transform former Cairns sugar cane farm into Cattana Wetlands
21st May 2023 - City of Rockingham awards young volunteer for his contribution to Rockingham Flames
18th May 2023 - Agricultural show society volunteers invited to attend AgShows NSW conference
18th May 2023 - Paul Szep among Australian changemakers spotlighted during National Volunteer Week 2023
17th May 2023 - The Cities of Hobart and Perth spotlight valued contribution of their volunteers
16th May 2023 - Action Plan launched in Western Australia to enrich volunteer experiences
15th May 2023 - Australian Sports Commission acknowledges volunteers during 2023 National Volunteer Week
3rd May 2023 - Volunteering Innovation Fund to drive innovative environmental projects in Victoria
6th October 2022 - NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service need volunteers to guide tours
3rd September 2022 - New vision for sport volunteering unveiled by Australian Sports Commission
2nd August 2022 - Theatre Kimberley receives funding for stage and circus equipment and volunteer toolkit
18th July 2022 - New Sport Volunteer Support partnership with Vicsport launched
16th May 2022 - Australian Sports Commission spotlights need for 130,000 volunteers over next decade
2nd January 2022 - 7,000 scouts, volunteers and leaders gather for Victorian jamboree
8th November 2019 - Scouts Australia capture and livestream 2019 Jamboree with Panasonic ProPTZ Camera network
15th August 2012 - Without volunteers agricultural shows ‘will cease to exist’
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