As National Volunteer Week (18-24 May) calls all Australians to make 2026 ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, the St Vincent de Paul Society is celebrating the extraordinary contribution of its tens of thousands of volunteers amidst a growing challenge – its volunteer numbers are declining, and the average age is rising.
The Society’s National President Mark Gaetani said National Volunteer Week gives us pause to reflect on the place of individual relationships and community involvement in our Australian way of life.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Society, but we are seeing fewer people stepping forward,” he said.
“At the same time, the need for support has never been greater. What we’ve learned is that making a difference doesn’t require a huge commitment. Just two hours a week can mean a shared meal, a meaningful conversation, or a turning point for someone doing it tough.
“In less time than it takes to go see a movie, you can make a real difference in someone’s life – and your own.”
Across Australia, the Society relies on approximately 40,000 members and volunteers to provide vital support, from helping in Vinnies Shops and visiting people experiencing hardship, to serving meals and supporting homelessness and community programs.
“Our volunteers come from all walks of life. One thing they have in common is a desire to share their time with other people in their community.
“Whether it is providing their neighbours with a listening ear, or walking alongside those who are doing it tough, we see a real joy from all those touched by volunteering,” Mr Gaetani said.
“Volunteering reflects our inherent need for friendship and connection within and across our diverse local communities. Volunteers are part of the fabric that help bind our national social cohesion at so many local levels.”
Mr Gaetani said the Society’s current volunteers are feeling stretched and would welcome an influx of fresh energy and new perspectives, particularly from younger Australians.
“Even a small commitment can have a lasting impact, not just for the people we assist, but for our volunteers themselves,” he said.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, more Australians are reaching out to the Society for help. That’s why we need more people to get involved, even in small ways. If you’ve been thinking about giving back, this is your moment; this is ‘your year to volunteer’.”
National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for individuals, families and workplaces to take that first step, whether by volunteering in a Vinnies Shop, joining a Vinnies Van, or connecting with a local St Vincent de Paul Society Conference.
In recognition of the invaluable contributions that our volunteers make to the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Bishop Don Sproxton will celebrate a Volunteer Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday 23 May at St Mary’s Cathedral commencing at 9.30am.