Arabic version: متطوعون يسدّون فجوات مجتمعية حيوية في أنحاء أستراليا

According to ABC News, volunteering is supporting communities across Australia, from services for people experiencing homelessness to social activities for people living with dementia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says 9.5 million Australians volunteered formally or informally in 2025.

Adelaide volunteer Lucy Stevens, 24, has spent more than a decade volunteering. Her involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh award program took her to Zimbabwe and South Africa in 2018 with World Vision. Ms Stevens, who won the Young Volunteer Award at the South Australian Volunteer Awards last year, said volunteering can help young people connect with causes and strengthen job applications.

In central Sydney, volunteers at the Early Bird Cafe at St Stephens Uniting Church served 63,000 meals to needy and homeless people in the last financial year. Carol Lewis has volunteered there for eight years, with her team arriving at about 5am twice a month to prepare and serve breakfast. The cafe is down $90,000 a year in grant funding, ABC News reported.

In Dubbo, the Sing Out Choir brings together about 180 people each Tuesday, including people living with dementia and other disabilities, alongside carers, families and friends. Founder and coordinator Anne Gemmell said about 30 volunteers help operate the choir and its weekly lunch, undertaking roles including transport, sound, lighting and setup.

More than 5 million people volunteered formally through an organisation in 2025, but Volunteering Australia says participation has not returned to pre-COVID levels and has not changed significantly in five years. Its report also noted increased fuel-cost pressures in 2026, particularly for organisations dependent on transport.