NSW celebrates 4.9 million volunteers

5 December 2022

As NSW celebrates International Volunteer Day we thank the millions of volunteers across the State for the wonderful work they do for their communities.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said NSW’s 4.9 million volunteers contribute almost $127 billion to the State’s economy. 

“I cannot thank our volunteers enough for all they do and I encourage everyone to take the time to acknowledge their contributions big and small, towards making NSW a great place to live,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“Volunteers make a difference in sport, the environment, animal welfare, emergency services, arts and culture, history and heritage, education and health to name just a few.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said today is an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much.

“We have seen the incredible efforts of our volunteers in the ongoing flooding response. They are truly our unsung heroes during these challenging times,” Ms Cooke said.

The NSW State of Volunteering Report showed that almost 76 per cent of adults volunteered, contributing an estimated 1.5 billion hours of effort.

Volunteers in NSW are recognised via the NSW Volunteer Recognition Program and the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

International Volunteer Day is observed around the world on December 5.

Information on how to become a volunteer can be found here: www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au.