National Volunteer Week 2026

This National Volunteer Week, we want to pause and recognise something simple but powerful: Healthy Cities Australia only works because our volunteers do. They are the heart of HCA, the people who bring our programs to life through their time, energy, and care. 

This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, recognises that everyone’s volunteering journey looks different and that every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. Volunteers power everything we do. Whether they support cooking groups, walking sessions, Active In-Betweens, Play Illawarra, or behind‑the‑scenes work, our volunteers’ involvement brings our programs to life.

Thank you for sharing your time, skills, and care, we are proud to celebrate you this week!

Volunteer Impact  

Term 1 wrapped up with strong community engagement across the Illawarra, and our volunteers made it all possible. 

• Active In‑Betweens: 32 sessions, 660+ children engaged 

• Walking Groups: 90 participants across four regions 

• Cook Chill Chat: 30+ community members connecting over healthy meals 

Already this year, volunteers have contributed 1,000+ hours. It takes around 40 volunteers to deliver one term of Healthy Cities programs, a powerful reminder of how essential they are to our work. We also acknowledge the commitment many of our volunteers make simply to be there. Some of them travel significant distances and often cover transport costs themselves. In a cost‑of‑living and fuel crisis, we don’t take this generosity lightly. 

Volunteer Highlights This Week 

This week we’re sharing stories from volunteers across HCA, people who joined to connect with community, build skills, support children and families, or simply be part of something positive. Across their experiences, the same themes shine through, a welcoming team, meaningful hands‑on work, and the chance to grow personally and professionally.

Volunteers spoke about gaining confidence, building communication and teamwork skills, and feeling supported as they tried new roles across AIB, Play Illawarra, walking groups, and behind‑the‑scenes projects. Above all, they described HCA as a place where you can learn, contribute, and feel part of a genuinely caring community.