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Let’s Show Our Collective Power During National Volunteer Week

Small actions, when taken together, can have an astoundingly large impact. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week (18–24 May 2026), it’s easy to focus on the individual tree being planted or the single piece of litter being removed. But when we measure the collective impact, these “small” actions form a tidal wave of positive change across Australia.

This year’s National Volunteer Week (NVW) theme is Your Year to Volunteer. The theme recognises the powerhouse that is the Australian volunteer community.

To understand why your time volunteering with CVA is so impactful, let’s look at the numbers. Hopefully, this will reinforce how our collective power can be used to create a positive impact during NVW if we all come together to conserve and protect biodiversity.

The Power of the Collective for Conservation

Volunteering in Australia is a nationwide pastime that drives our society and economy. According to a new volunteering report, approximately 14.1 million people volunteer formally and informally, contributing an incredible 3.2 billion hours of volunteering in 2023.

Conservation Impact at CVA: By the Numbers

At CVA, our volunteers have been the stewards of the Australian landscape for over 40 years. The cumulative impact is a testament to what we can achieve together:

  • Planting 19.2 Million+ Trees: Our volunteers have planted over 19,295,050 trees across Australia since 1982.
  • Helping 100+ Species: Stewardship activities have directly supported more than 100 threatened species.
  • 918,595+ Days of Care: Our community has dedicated over 918,595 days of stewardship across more than 10,376 field project sites.

Why National Volunteer Week Matters

NVW is more than a thank you; it is a vital catalyst for the future of our planet. Just imagine what we could collectively achieve if all 27 million Australians dedicated just an hour or two during NVW.

From a conservation perspective, here are a few statistics that show how important it is to take action for nature:

Threatened species need urgent support

Australia is facing an extinction crisis with more than 2,245 Australian ecosystems, plants and animals recognised nationally as being threatened with extinction.

Widespread Habitat Loss

At least 500,000 hectares of land are cleared in Australia every year. This includes native forests and woodlands that are home to a variety of diverse species of plants and animals. This loss not only affects biodiversity, but also climate change and the wealth of ecological benefits we get from nature.

Total Economic Value of Nature

Nature is estimated to inject $511 billion annually into the Australian economy, which is roughly 20% of the national GDP. The value of our incredible biodiversity requires us to prioritise investing in nature and protecting nature.

Coastal Protection

Natural systems like mangroves are well known to help protect infrastructure, which means that if we protect these ecosystems, we can also help protect homes and lives. ****Mangroves and coral reefs act as natural buffers against storms. In 2021, mangroves alone protected over 4,000 homes and [7,600 people](https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/first-ever-measure-value-our-ecosystems#:~:text=The new experimental estimates also,release of National Ecosystem Accounts.), preventing an estimated $57 million in building damage. Wetlands are also estimated to prevent an incredible average of $236 million in damage per storm.

Natural Cooling

Suburban trees and green spaces significantly lower local temperatures, reducing the risk of heat-related illness during extreme heatwaves, which currently cause more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard. By supporting our initiatives to plant trees in urban areas and create shade forests, you can help cool your city while also creating a green space and contributing towards climate resilience.

Join the Movement: Start Volunteering Today

Whether you are a veteran Nature Steward or looking for your first volunteerism project, make 2026 your year to make an impact.

Ready to add to these statistics and lend a hand for nature? Find a volunteer week activity taking place near you and book your spot today.