National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers. Volunteers contribute to the education sector in many ways, from reading in class to helping on excursions. Our volunteers contribute thousands of hours to our schools, preschools and children’s centres.

We invite volunteers and volunteer coordinators in government schools, preschools and children’s centres to the launch of National Volunteer Week on Monday 19 May 2025 at the Adelaide Town Hall.

Register to attend the morning tea and launch of National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week 2025

National Volunteer Week is from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 May 2025. This special event gives us an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our schools, preschools and children’s centres, and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

This years theme is ‘Connecting Communities’. It acknowledges the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers in education have in building thriving communities.

Use the hashtag #NVW2025 in your promotions.

How we will recognise volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2025

On Monday 19 May, 9.45am to 11.30am at the Adelaide Town Hall, we're launching volunteer week with the Minister for Education, Training and Skills.

Volunteers and volunteer coordinators in government schools, preschools and children’s centres will have the opportunity to network and hear from:

• The Minister for Education, Training and Skills
• schools about volunteer programs
• department curriculum programs
• volunteer and student volunteer experiences.

Register to attend the morning tea and launch of National Volunteer Week.

Numbers are limited.

Individual school and preschool events

We have resources and information for government schools, preschools and children’s centres to help host their own events to recognise their volunteers during the week on the department’s intranet, recognise and attract volunteers (login required)

How everyone can recognise volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2025

Request a Minister’s Award for Outstanding Service for your volunteers

All schools, preschools and children’s centres can apply to recognise individuals or groups who make a significant contribution to others by volunteering. You can nominate as many volunteers as you like.

You can request a certificate at any time of the year. Certificates are signed by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills.

Request a Minister’s Volunteering Award certificate

Nominate a volunteer for a State Volunteer Award

The South Australian Volunteer Awards recognise and celebrate the invaluable work that individual volunteers, volunteer managers, community organisations and businesses contribute to our community.

The awards are presented by Volunteer SA/NT and supported by Department of Human Services in National Volunteer Week.

Nominate a volunteer for a State Volunteer Award.

Nominations close on 30 March 2025.

Register to attend the SA State Volunteering Conference

The SA State Volunteering conference ‘Connecting Communities’ will be on Thursday 22 May 2025 at the National Wine Centre.

The conference is South Australia’s premier event for the volunteering sector, bringing together leaders, volunteer managers, government and corporate representatives, and volunteers to connect, learn and collaborate.

This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities’ highlights the power of volunteering in strengthening social bonds, fostering inclusivity, and driving positive change across South Australia.

Register and read more about the SA State Volunteering Conference.

About our volunteers

Our volunteer workforce is more than 25,000 people who give their time and share their skills to help children and young people learn and grow.

Our volunteers are diverse. They are parents, family, caregivers and people from the community. They bring their life skills, expertise, knowledge, backgrounds and diversity to our schools, preschools and children's centres.

Our volunteers help in so many ways – find out why it’s good to volunteer with us.