National Volunteer Week 2026

18th May, 2026

In 2026, the United Nations will recognise the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This important global initiative highlights the vital role volunteers play in building stronger, more sustainable and inclusive communities around the world, and acknowledges the lasting impact of people who choose to give their time to support others.

National Volunteer Week 2026 builds on this momentum by celebrating volunteer voices, recognising their contribution, and encouraging more Australians to get involved. It is a chance to pause and thank those who already give so generously, while also opening the door for others to discover how volunteering can create connection, a sense of purpose, and meaningful, lasting change in their own communities.

At a local level, these values come to life through the work of Open Support, a community service of St Vincent’s Clinic. Open Support is dedicated to providing care, compassion, and connection for women and their children escaping domestic and family violence, as well as for people experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Their work is grounded in respect and understanding, helping people feel seen, supported, and safe during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

One of the ways this care is made possible is through the Open Support Gift Shop. Led by our dedicated shop coordinator, Gina, and supported by a generous and committed team of volunteers, the shop is much more than a retail space. It is a welcoming environment where community spirit is at the heart of everything. Every item purchased contributes directly to Open Support initiatives, with 100% of proceeds going back into programs that provide practical and emotional support to those who need it most.

Behind the shop is a team of volunteers who bring warmth, kindness, and a genuine desire to help others. Their time, energy, and commitment play a vital role in keeping the space running and ensuring it remains a place where people feel welcomed and connected.

In the video filmed last year below, you will meet Ros, a familiar face in the shop, who shares her personal perspective on what volunteering means to her and why it has become such a meaningful part of her life. Gina also reflects on the important role volunteers play in supporting the mission of Open Support and the difference they make each and every day. Together, their stories offer a quiet but powerful reminder that even small acts of giving can have a lasting impact.

This National Volunteer Week, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on what it means to give, not for recognition, but for the difference it can make in someone else’s life. Whether it is your time, your skills, or your support, every contribution matters.

To learn more about Open Support, volunteering opportunities, or how to donate, visit opensupport.org.au.