Best thing I ever did!
Your Year to Volunteer
National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, recognising the millions of Australians who strengthen communities through their time, care and contribution.
The 2026 theme – Your Year to Volunteer – comes at an important moment for Victoria, with volunteering continuing to play a critical role in community wellbeing, social connection and support services across the state.
Whether you're returning to volunteering or considering it for the first time, there's never been a better time to get involved.
What kind
of volunteer
could you be?
Not all volunteers are the same. Some people are natural listeners. Some thrive in busy team environments. Some love practical problem solving. Others simply want to show up consistently for their community.
Our Volunteer Quiz helps you discover the Vinnies volunteer opportunity that best matches your personality, strengths and interests. Meet the volunteer personas.
Whether you're looking for connection, purpose, new skills or a way to give back – there's a place for you here.
Volunteering changes communities.
It also changes you.
Every day across Victoria, thousands of Vinnies volunteers show up for their communities - in Vinnies Shops, Soup Vans, classrooms, call centres, community programs, homes and homelessness services. This National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the people behind that impact.
But this year, we're also telling a different story about volunteering. Because volunteering is not just charitable - it's one of the most effective evidence-based wellbeing interventions we have.
Why volunteering works.
The 2025 State of Volunteering Victoria Report found volunteers score significantly higher in wellbeing and life satisfaction than non-volunteers. Across Vinnies and VincentCare, we hear the same thing again and again: "It's the best thing I ever did."
For some, volunteering creates connection and community. For others, purpose and confidence. For many, it becomes a place to belong. And every day, it creates practical impact for people doing it tough across Victoria.
Behind every volunteer shift is a human story. From Ozanam House to Vinnies Shops, Soup Vans to education programs, these stories reflect the many ways volunteers strengthen communities while finding their own sense of purpose.
Stories that matter.
Recognising Margaret
Margaret Gearon has been the steady heartbeat of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’s Eastern region for more than a decade.
Recognising Frances
"Volunteering has taught me that giving my time can benefit others in need and it's great for my wellbeing."
Recognising Remy
From a fashion student to Vinnies Shop volunteer, gaining practical experience on the way and loving it.
Many ways to
get involved.
Volunteering is about connection. Purpose. Community.
It's about finding community, building friendships, feeling connected. Gaining confidence, learning new skills, supporting people in practical ways. Becoming part of something bigger than yourself.
At Vinnies, volunteers don't just help communities thrive. They thrive too.
Vinnies volunteers support people and communities right across Victoria through:
- Vinnies Shops
- Soup Vans
- Community Support Conferences
- Education and tutoring programs
- NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme)
- Call centres and administration support
- VincentCare homelessness and housing services
Whether you can give one morning a week or bring years of experience, volunteering with Vinnies creates meaningful impact - for communities and for volunteers themselves.