Media release

Wednesday 18 February 

Volunteering Queensland, in collaboration with My Community Directory, has launched the Queensland Voice of the Volunteer Survey Tool, the first large-scale initiative to measure and monitor the volunteer experience across the state.

The free, research-backed tool allows volunteer-involving organisations to easily gather anonymous feedback from their volunteers, helping improve engagement, wellbeing, and retention.

Available to organisations that have joined the Volunteer Involving Organisation Register, the tool enables organisations to deploy surveys via email, SMS, or QR code and view results through an interactive dashboard at both organisational and location levels.

“Volunteering rates in Queensland have been declining, and this tool is a practical way to help change that,” said Jane Hedger, CEO at Volunteering Queensland. “By listening directly to volunteers, we can understand what motivates them, address challenges, and build stronger, more sustainable programs.”

The survey will also generate aggregated, anonymised data at both the Local Government Area (LGA) and State levels, providing, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of the volunteer experience across Queensland.

“This insight will help us as the state’s peak body to shape training, advocacy, and support that respond to real volunteer needs,” Ms Hedger added. “Our goal is to rebuild a thriving culture of volunteering in Queensland — one that values, supports, and celebrates every volunteer.”

Organisations can access the survey tool through the Queensland Volunteer Involving Organisation Register for free. Find out more on our website here: https://volunteeringqld.org.au/voice-of-the-volunteer-survey/

The year to celebrate volunteers

Media release

Thursday 29 February

Celebrate the incredible impact of volunteers across Queensland this year by nominating a volunteer, manager, or organisation for the Queensland Volunteering Awards.

Proudly sponsored by the Queensland Government, the Queensland Volunteering Awards celebrate Queensland’s volunteers and organisations and the immense impact they make on individuals, communities and the state.

Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said Queensland’s volunteers are at the heart of what makes our communities strong, resilient and connected.

“The Queensland Volunteering Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution volunteers and volunteer organisations make across our state.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to nominate the people and organisations who inspire them, because their efforts deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.” 

The Queensland Volunteering Awards is the most significant event of the year in the state’s volunteering calendar and has been since its inception in 2016,” says Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger.

“It’s an important opportunity for us to come together and meaningfully acknowledge and celebrate the people and organisations that hold our communities together.

“As the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, 2026 is your year to recognise the value of volunteers in your community. I encourage everyone to nominate an individual or organisation that inspires them for an award.”

The Awards ceremony, held on Friday 15 May 2026, is echoed by National Volunteer Week from 18th-24th May 2026. The theme, It’s Your Year to Volunteer, honours the contributions of volunteers and encourages people across Australia to make 2026 the year they get involved.

National Volunteer Week celebrates the commitment of volunteers and invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can spark joy, and a deep sense of purpose.

Nominations for the Queensland Volunteering Awards close 5pm, 31 March 2026.

Start your nomination online here.

ENDs

Media Contact

Rumer Grace Archer

rumer-grace.archer@volunteeringqld.org.au

07 3002 7612

Volunteering Sunshine Coast recently visited Lookout07, a vibrant youth centre founded by mental health advocate and former elite athlete Leon Stensholm. From the moment you step inside, the energy and passion are palpable—this is a place where young people aged 12 to 25 find connection, support, and purpose.

Born from Leon’s personal journey and deep commitment to youth mental health, Lookout07 offers a safe, inclusive space filled with mentorship, fitness programs, and resilience-building activities. Whether it’s through the boxing ring, basketball court, or simply a welcoming chat, Leon and his team are making a profound impact—empowering youth to thrive and feel seen.

We’re proud to support organisations like Lookout07 that are transforming lives and building stronger communities across the Sunshine Coast.

On the photo above: Leon Stensholm (Founder and Chair of Lookout07) and Neil Gillatt (CEO, Volunteering Sunshine Coast)