About volunteering
Volunteering is vital to the social, economic and environmental well being of Victorians. The most recent figures show that the value of volunteering in Victoria was equivalent to almost eight per cent of Gross State Product – or around $10 billion.
The simplest way to describe volunteering is 'working for a not-for-profit organisation for no pay'. It's a way for people to become involved in their community that is interesting, satisfying and fun. It can be formal or informal, full-time or part-time, occasional or even once-off. But whatever type of volunteering you want to do, you have a responsibility towards the organisation and tasks you accept, just as you would towards paid employment.
In some communities, support for extended families, neighbourhood groups or social networks is seen as an intrinsic part of belonging to that community. For these communities volunteering is not viewed as a separate or unique activity.
In this section you'll find some facts and figures about volunteering as well as recent news, stories, research and publications about volunteering.
Select a topic to find out more: