National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This year’s theme is ‘Connecting Communities’. 

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week recognises the big impact volunteers have in Australia. Volunteering is essential for our nation's wellbeing. It helps build strong and inclusive communities. 

The 2025 National Volunteer Week runs from 19 – 25 May. During this week we acknowledge the generous contribution volunteers make to communities.  

Volunteers give up their time and energy to help others without asking for anything in return. They span across various industries such as: 

• Aged and Disability care 
• Community welfare 
• Sports and arts 
• Crisis and preparedness 
• Response and recovery 
• Environment sustainability and protection 

Celebrating SES volunteers during National Volunteer Week 

As part of National Volunteer Week, Wednesday 21 May is Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW). This is a nationally recognised day to say thank you to the thousands of State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers. The SES help communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through storms, floods, and other disasters. They rescue people, clear roads and provide first aid. They help search for missing people and support police and firefighters.  

SES volunteers often risk their safety to protect others. They help save lives, reduce damage and aid communities in recovering after a crisis.  

Craig Hicks Acting Assistant Director in the Strategy and Capability section of NEMA is also an active volunteer with the Woden SES unit. 

“I think the most memorable times volunteering with the ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) was when I was selected to be deployed to both NSW and VIC to assist with incident management during disaster events,” said Craig. 

“It’s extremely humbling being able to talk the skills and knowledge I have been taught here, in Canberra, and provide assistance to others whenever and wherever it’s required.” 

More than 6 million people in Australia volunteer through organisations across the nation. Millions more volunteer informally within their local communities or helping neighbours a times of crisis and adversity. 

For more information on National Volunteer Week, visit About - Volunteering Australia.