National Volunteer Week celebrates Queenslanders who are making a world of difference

Queensland volunteers make a world of difference by supporting their communities to thrive – from assisting the vulnerable to helping recovery efforts after natural disasters.

This week, Queenslanders are being encouraged to celebrate volunteers and the extraordinary contribution they make as part of National Volunteer Week (20 – 26 May).

National Volunteer Week is also about encouraging Queenslanders who have not yet enjoyed the many reciprocal benefits that volunteering brings, to give volunteering a go.

Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke today (20 May) thanked Queensland’s volunteers for their hard work – highlighting how they have helped communities recover in the wake of recent disasters.

“After bushfires, cyclones and floodwaters have destroyed homes and caused damage in our communities, Queensland volunteers are there to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Our hard-working volunteers are out there every day helping communities rebuild after disasters and supporting vulnerable Queenslanders, such as seniors and people with disability. They’re a vital part of making sure our communities thrive.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to take some time this week to thank volunteers and get involved with National Volunteer Week events being held in their communities.”

This year National Volunteer Week is celebrating its 30^th anniversary with the theme: Making a world of difference.

Mrs O’Rourke said National Volunteer Week was an opportunity for people to consider giving a bit of their time and volunteering in their community.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Mara Basanovic said National Volunteer Week is a wonderful opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to our extraordinary, everyday and unsung heroes – our volunteers.

“It’s time to reflect on the whole of community impact of volunteering in strengthening the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of our beautiful state,” she said.

“Thank you volunteers for making a world of difference!”

Find out more about volunteering in Queensland, including volunteer opportunities, at https://volunteeringqld.org.au.

To get involved in National Volunteer Week events and activities in your community, visit https://volunteeringqld.org.au/nvw/events.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389