Thank You To Our Volunteers

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering

From Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May 2026, NVW will celebrate the significant contribution of Australia’s six million volunteers. Each year these volunteers dedicate more than 600 million hours to help others.

This week recognises the contribution of millions of volunteers across NSW and Australia and invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can create connection, purpose and stronger communities.

The theme for NVW 2026 is Your Year to Volunteer.

This theme highlights the importance of personal involvement and aligns with the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (International Volunteer Year – IVY 2026). It acknowledges the vital role volunteers play in building sustainable, inclusive communities worldwide, urging people to find purposeful, flexible volunteering opportunities.

This week is a moment to thank those who already give their time and to invite others to discover how volunteering can create connection, purpose and lasting positive change.

Your Year to Volunteer:

• Encouraging Personal Action: The theme emphasises finding a volunteer role that fits personal skills, availability and passions, framing 2026 as the time to start giving back.
• Aligning with Global Goals: It connects local actions to the UN’s International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), highlighting the impact of volunteering on sustainability.
• Celebrating and Recognising: This week celebrates the millions of Australians who already volunteer.
• NSMoW: At North Shoalhaven Meals on Wheels, we thank the more than 250 volunteers who put in many hundreds of hours every week to help our community.

To all the wonderful volunteers and in particular to the Meals on Wheels volunteers across the North Shoalhaven network, and around the country – THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.