Event Details
When: Tuesday 21 May 2024, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Where: Hellenic Museum – 280 William Street, Melbourne VIC
Held on 20-26 May 2024, National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, highlighting the important role of volunteers in our community.
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 was ‘Something For Everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
It was an invitation to explore the myriad of opportunities available, emphasising that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering. Whether you’re drawn to environmental causes, community outreach, education, or beyond, there’s a place where your unique skills and interests can flourish.
National Volunteer Week 2024 was an opportunity to come together to showcase that volunteering offers ‘Something for Everyone’, and celebrate the transformative impact of everyone finding their role in making a difference.
Event summary
Volunteering Victoria was proud to host a special ‘Thank You‘ afternoon tea during National Volunteer Week 2024 to honour and recognise volunteers across the state for their generous contributions to our communities.
We were joined by special guest Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Hon. Ros Spence MP, who officially opened nominations for the 2024 Victorian Volunteering Awards.
“Volunteers play a vital role in Victorian communities, and these awards celebrate their incredible achievements.” – Ros Spence MP
Minister Spence also announced a $150,000 funding boost for the delivery of a refreshed Victorian State of Volunteering Report, which will capture the latest data on the impact of volunteers and prepare for the future of volunteering in the state.
We then heard from Shaun Middlebrook, CEO of Woor-Dungin – the recipient of the 2023 Volunteering-Involving Organisation of the Year Award. Shaun shared with us his reflections on volunteering as a First Nations person and organisation:
“For an Aboriginal person, volunteering is such a cultural aspect of what our life is and what we give to the land… Volunteering for us in the First Nations space isn’t about appreciation for the work you’re doing; it’s just part of the cultural makeup of our landscape.”
“As human beings we naturally want to give to community – not for awards, not for standing in front of a microphone – but just because it’s the right thing to do.” – Shaun Middlebrook, CEO of Woor-Dungin
