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What is National Volunteer Week? (and reasons to celebrate)

At CVA, our mission is to connect people with nature and create positive impacts for people and nature. At the heart of that connection is our community of dedicated volunteers: people who give their time, energy, knowledge, and passion to help create a better world for all.

As we kick off National Volunteer Week in Australia this year (from 18 to 24 May), we want to acknowledge and celebrate our incredible volunteers — and the partners who help make this work possible, including events supported by Chevron Australia. Find out more about how you can get involved in celebrating National Volunteer Week and making an impact for conservation wherever you may be in Australia.

What is National Volunteer Week in Australia All About?

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. NVW was first established in 1989 as an annual event to recognise the millions of Australians who support important causes through volunteering.

This year’s theme is “Your Year to Volunteer“. This theme aligns with the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development – highlighting how local actions, like restoring a wetland or protecting a coastal habitat, can contribute to a healthier planet for everyone.

Organisations across Australia are celebrating NVW in a variety of different ways. At CVA, we invite everyone to join us in taking action for nature, building community and connections, and having fun.

Why CVA Celebrates National Volunteer Week

As an Australian volunteer-based organisation, we take pride in celebrating the efforts, commitment, and impact that our volunteers have on our natural environment and within our communities.

That’s why each year we celebrate NVW through a variety of dedicated events across the country. And, at the same time as we show our appreciation for all our incredible volunteers, we also invite and encourage new volunteers to join CVA in helping us achieve our mission.

Here are some reasons to celebrate:

  • Honouring CVA volunteers’ impacts: Thousands of volunteers from across Australia have volunteered with CVA over the years. Whether you’ve planted a single seedling or spent decades supporting our teams, your contribution has a tangible, lasting effect on Australian biodiversity.
  • Strengthening a sense of place and community: Volunteering isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about community, creating connections, and fostering a sense of place. NVW is a time to celebrate the friendships formed and the sense of shared interests and passion that links diverse groups of people across the country.
  • Inspiring the next wave of conservationists: By sharing our stories this week, we show others that everyone has a role to play in protecting nature.

This is Your Year To Volunteer for Nature

The 2026 NWW theme is a call to action: please join CVA in volunteering for nature, building community, and making a positive difference. If you’ve been following our journeys from the sidelines, there has never been a better time to jump in.

Every action counts, and there are many ways to get involved. Check out our list of upcoming volunteering events, make a donation, and show support via social media.

To every CVA volunteer: our heartfelt thanks for being the heartbeat of our organisation and the stewards of our natural world.