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National Volunteer Week 2026 (18 – 24 May 2026) is a time to recognise, celebrate and thank the incredible volunteers who give their time, compassion and skills to support communities across Australia. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, honours the invaluable contributions volunteers make every day while encouraging more people to make 2026 the year they get involved and make a real difference.

National Volunteer Week 2026 also carries additional significance, with 2026 recognised as the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). This global initiative highlights the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities, promoting wellbeing and advancing sustainable development.

Throughout National Volunteer Week 2026, the focus will be on amplifying the voices of volunteers, celebrating their impact and taking positive action to ensure volunteering continues to thrive well into the future.

A range of National Volunteer Week resources are available to help organisations and individuals celebrate. The National Volunteer Week Toolkit includes:

• National Volunteer Week logos
• Social media tiles
• Certificates of appreciation
• Email banners
• Selfie frames and more

These resources make it easy to recognise volunteers, share stories and spread the message throughout National Volunteer Week 2026.

National Volunteer Week is also for Palliative Care NSW an opportunity to pause and acknowledge just how powerful the contribution of palliative care volunteers truly is. Their care, commitment and kindness support people living with life-limiting illness, along with their families and carers, and the services that walk alongside them every step of the way.

As part of National Volunteer Week, Palliative Care NSW will proudly announce the winners of the 2026 NSW Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year Awards on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

These awards will highlight the vital role volunteers play in providing comfort and care during difficult times and show our deep gratitude for their service.

We look forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of this year’s award recipients during National Volunteer Week and sharing their inspiring stories.