National Volunteer Week (19-25 May) is Australia’s largest celebration of volunteering, and a powerful reminder of how giving back creates stronger, more connected communities.
At STEPS, we’ve seen firsthand the impact that volunteers make. From mentoring students in our education programs to helping out at events, STEPS Café on George and STEPS Garden Centre, our volunteers are the heart of what we do. They bring passion, purpose, and people together every single day.
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, Connecting Communities, couldn’t be more fitting. Volunteering helps people, but it also builds relationships, shares knowledge and experiences, and creates the kind of community we all want to be part of.
Why volunteering matters
Volunteering plays a vital role in society. Across Australia, millions of people volunteer their time to support causes close to their hearts, helping non-profits and local initiatives thrive.
According to Volunteering Australia, over 6 million Australians a year volunteer with an organisation, with millions more volunteering informally by helping people in their community.
STEPS volunteers do everything from guiding people through new learning experiences to supporting job seekers and brightening someone’s day with a friendly conversation.
Without volunteers, many of our programs simply wouldn’t be possible.
But the impact of volunteering isn’t one-sided. Volunteers themselves tend to report improved mental wellbeing, a greater sense of purpose, and stronger social connections.
Helping others makes us feel more valued, fulfilled and connected.
The benefits of volunteering
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to give back after retirement, volunteering offers countless personal and professional benefits.
Here are just a few reasons why more people are getting involved in volunteering:
- Connection: Volunteering helps you meet like-minded people, expand your network, and feel part of something bigger than yourself.
- Purpose: Knowing you’ve made a difference, no matter how big or small, is incredibly rewarding.
- Growth: Volunteering builds valuable life and job skills, from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and leadership.
- Joy: Doing something for others simply feels good. It brings positivity into your day and can give you a fresh perspective on life.
One of the best things about volunteering is that you don’t need any experience, just the desire to help. Everyone has something to offer.
Volunteer at STEPS
STEPS offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities across our locations and programs.
If you want to work hands-on with people, support events, or lend a hand behind the scenes, we’ll help you find a role that fits your interests, skills and availability.
Some of our volunteer roles include:
- Supporting students at STEPS Pathways College
- Assisting participants in our Education and Training programs, including the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program and the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
- Serving customers and prepping food and drinks at STEPS Café on George
- Caring for plants and helping customers at STEPS Garden Centre
- Helping us at events, with several roles available to make sure things run smoothly
Volunteering with STEPS means being part of a team that believes in people, purpose and possibility.
We know your time is valuable – it’s priceless to us!
Join our volunteer community today
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the perfect time to get involved. We have volunteering opportunities available at STEPS sites across Australia, including Queensland, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
This National Volunteer Week, we’re inviting you to be part of something special. Join a community of kind, passionate people working together to create brighter futures.
You don’t need experience. You don’t need to commit full-time. You just need to care.
Ready to start volunteering?
Explore our current volunteer opportunities and sign up today!
Whether you can give a few hours a week or couple of days a year, your time matters.
