National Volunteer Week 2025
Volunteering in a busy world
Aslan Shand
Sometimes the amount of activity going on in our worlds can be overwhelming; from constant online engagement, to work, study, families, and lives. As our lives have become busier it seems the time we have to give to others has decreased, and yet giving even a little time can be incredibly rewarding, connect us to our local communities, and create connections that are sometimes lost in our busy worlds.
National Volunteer Week highlights not just the important role that volunteers play in our everyday lives, in a myriad of ways, but also how much the experience of volunteering can give to you as an individual.
When I stopped to think, I began to realise just how much of our communities, at all levels, rely on volunteers. From helping our youth, the environment, vulnerable women and children, the homeless, LGBQTI+, men, animals, flood and fire victims, our elections, raising money for charities and research. When you stop and think, there are so many ways that volunteers make our everyday, and future lives, safer, more connected, and fun.
This year the theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘Connecting Communities’, it is about bringing people together through volunteering and the good that volunteering does for every one of us.
‘Let’s acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building thriving and inclusive communities,’ say National Volunteer Week organisers.
‘Volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities. Join us as we explore how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection, and belonging.’
The experience of disasters, like the 2022 floods, allowed many people to really understand the importance of bringing communities together, as people came out and worked together not only to save lives, like the tinny brigade in Lismore, but small isolated communities who were cut-off, came and worked together for each other’s safety.
I know being flooded-in meant coming together with my neighbours to help clear roads and check-in on one another. Being a member of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) meant that help was provided to the wider community and when a tree fell on my house after the floods I cannot tell you how grateful I was to the SES.
Looking after native animals who have been injured, from koalas to possums and birds, can be wonderfully rewarding but losing the animals you care for is heartbreaking.
From sitting on a hall committee, to volunteering to teach ethics, to providing food and shelter to the homeless, to working with young people, or repairing things at Shedding, or a men’s shed, in my experience volunteering can lead you on unexpected journeys, to wonderful friendships, and plenty of laughs, as well as sadness. But most of all volunteering helps you create the fabric of your own world and the world around you reminding everyone of the wonderful capacity for understanding, generosity, and kindness that humans are capable of.
Find out about some wonderful ways to volunteer with these opportunities below:
The Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre | Byron Community Centre | BayFM | Australian Red Cross | The Owl & The PussyCat Farm Animal Sanctuary | Bangalow Lions Club | Brunswick Mullum Lions Club | Resilient Lismore | The YAC | Byron Dog Rescue | Marine Rescue Cape Byron | Support for New Mums | Northern Rivers Animal Services | Byron Bay Hospital Auxiliary | Rewilding Our Floodplains | Murwillumbah Community Centre
The Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC)
The Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC) was founded by volunteers, creating a pathway to strengthening the community by caring for others. To this day, volunteers are the backbone of the MDNC.
They want volunteering to work for you, and there are a number of options. You may be happy to cook, drive or undertake admin tasks, or you might be interested in learning, building skills, experience, and an opportunity to improve employability.
More Than a Meal – a community meal – a place to eat, be with others, make friends. Volunteers can cook and connect with people.
Gulganii Community Pantry – access to affordable food, and is an opportunity to develop retail experience.
Food Recovery – food that would otherwise end up in landfill is collected and goes into meals, food parcels, compost, and animal feed (if not fit for consumption). Tasks - drivers, food sorters, recyclers.
Listening Space – counselling.
Gardening – so many places to beautify.
Social activities – you may want to join a crochet group, Spanish lessons, or you may want to use your wonderful skills to run a group bringing people together.
There are many more opportunities but whatever you gift to them... it will be meaningful and valued.
@mullumbimbyneighbourhoodcentre
www.mdnc.org.au
Volunteers power 130 years of community spirit
This National Volunteer Week (19–25 May), Byron Community Centre is celebrating their 250 volunteers who help deliver vital services to the Byron Shire.
From Byron Theatre to Byron Markets and Fletcher Street Cottage, their dedication keeps community programs thriving and ensures support reaches those who need it most.
Thinking about giving back? Volunteering is a powerful way to connect, learn new skills and make a real impact.
Find out how you can get involved at
www.byronvolunteers.com
BayFM community radio, volunteers helping volunteers
BayFM is the Byron Shire’s own and only local radio station, connecting our community live on air and online with information, entertainment and good vibes. Now in its 35th year, one of BayFM’s key services is daily Community Service Announcements (CSAs).
These CSAs publicise the services of dozens of charities and not-for-profit initiatives in our region, many of which are volunteer-run.
As an independent, not-for-profit charity, BayFM is almost entirely powered by volunteers.
As well as a large team of on-air presenters, there are vollies helping with production, fundraising, admin, tech, finance and many other roles.
BayFM is volunteers helping volunteers.
If you can spare a couple of hours a week, email [email protected].
Make a real difference with Australian Red Cross
As an emergency services volunteer, you can take on many different roles - from directly supporting people in crisis to providing education and training that helps communities prepare for future disasters. Whatever your skills or interests, there’s a role for you!
Help people navigate crisis situations and rebuild their lives long after the emergency has passed, providing crucial psychological, social, and practical support before, during and after disasters.
By v olunteering you will;
Support people in times of crisis.
Stay active and engaged in your community.
Be part of a global movement of care and compassion.
Gain new skills.
Boost your employability.
To find out more or RSVP please contact Eleanor on 0404 029 978 or via email [email protected]
Calling all animal lovers!
The Owl & The PussyCat Farm Animal Sanctuary is a registered charity set on 130 peaceful acres in Crabbes Creek. 100% volunteer-run (no staff costs), they’re a safe haven for neglected, abused, and unwanted farmed animals.
Through rescue, rehoming, lifelong care, and community engagement, they work to create a kinder world for all beings.
They are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to help care for the animals, build/repair infrastructure, or assist remotely with admin/grant writing. Your support will truly make a difference.
Help us help them:
[email protected]
Bangalonians please come forward and volunteer - 2479 needs you!
During Volunteer Week 2025, Bangalow Lions Club is asking locals to please come forward and volunteer to assist at the many community events, fundraisers and charity functions. Did you know that Bangalow Lions Club hosts or is involved in the following community events:
• Bangalow BillyCart Derby.
• Byron Writers Festival.
• Bangalow Show.
• Bangalow Xmas Eve Carnival.
• Many other smaller events at the A&I Hall or Showgrounds in 2479.
Please consider volunteering to help bump in, bump out, serve on bar or BBQ, as a team member supporting the event or perhaps even consider joining Bangalow Lions Club. They’re a fun, busy not-for-profit club with all funds raised going to worthy causes in 2479 and beyond. All welcome - men and women, boys and girls.
Contact President John Singh on 0418 662781 or email
[email protected]
Brunswick Mullum Lions Club
Are you interested in making your local community a better place to live?
Are you interested in helping to support research aimed at preventing cervical cancer, prostate cancer and a whole range of apparently curable childhood cancers?
Would you like to assist young people from around the Pacific and Australia with severe facial deformities be operated on so they can lead normal lives?
Are you interested in helping to bring down our road toll?
Can you cook a sausage on a BBQ?
If you answered ‘YES’ to any of these questions, then the Brunswick Mullumbimby Lions Club is looking for you.
If you would like to be a part of an organisation that makes a difference locally and globally, every day, call now on 0400 484 419, and come along to a meeting.
Play a role in disaster recovery and resilience with Resilient Lismore
Resilient Lismore welcomes volunteers to help deliver disaster recovery and resilience programs. They have the following roles:
Help repair flood-damaged homes.
Support community events and workshops.
Work in their tool library helping people to access tools and equipment.
Help with administration and phone calls, supporting people to access recovery programs.
Register now to help clean up after a flood or disaster.
And more!
New volunteers are always welcome! For more information and to register, please go to their website at resilientlismore.org.au/volunteer-with-us/
or call 0455 218 692
www.resilientlismore.org.au
The YAC
The Byron Youth Activity Centre (The YAC) is a sanctuary for young people, but did you know it is also blossoming into a vibrant permaculture garden?
The grounds offer a haven for birds, reptiles and several species of butterflies. This thriving green space behind the new skatepark provides young people and families a place to connect with nature and learn about sustainable gardening.
The YAC’s garden is home to edible plants that support local wildlife and promote environmental conservation. They are seeking a Volunteer Garden Coordinator to help grow the project.
If you have a green thumb, have a few hours per week to spare and you love working with community and nature please call Christian on (02) 6685 7777
www.bys.org.au
Byron Dog Rescue
Byron Dog Rescue aims to provide care and find homes for unwanted or surrendered dogs, and to rehabilitate orphaned, sick or injured dogs.
Volunteering is one of the most important ways you can help! Byron Dog Rescue couldn’t save dogs were it not for wonderful volunteer foster carers who look after the dogs in their own homes until they are adopted.
If you can't volunteer, donations translate into second chances for these wonderful dogs. You can make a difference and add to the building fund for Byron Dog Rescue's Animal Adoption Centre.
0492 862 905
byrondogrescue.org
Marine Rescue now recruiting
Marine Rescue Cape Byron is a marine radio base located within the beautiful Cape Byron lighthouse precinct, in Byron Bay.
A long- serving team of dedicated volunteers maintain a radio safety watch over all boaters within the Byron waters region, working closely with their Marine Rescue colleagues in Ballina and Brunswick Heads to ensure that when the call goes out from a vessel in distress, they provide the rescue boat with all the detail they need to ensure a safe result.
Training and uniforms are provided cost-free, with the added opportunity to develop your skills in the marine and emergency response service spheres.
If you are interested in joining as a volunteer, follow the link
mrnsw.com.au/join
Support for New Mums
Volunteers with Support for New Mums provide emotional and practical support to mums in the Northern Rivers shires helping them navigate the challenges of early motherhood.
By offering your time and support, you’ll help reduce isolation, boost confidence and create a caring community for new mums.
Contact us through our webpage
supportfornewmums.com.au or phone 0490 409 039
Northern Rivers Animal Services
Make a real difference—volunteer with Northern Rivers Animal Services. Whether at the op shop, shelter, office, or as a foster carer, your time helps save lives and support vulnerable cats and dogs. Join a passionate team creating lasting impact in your community.
Visit www.nras.org.au, call 6681 1860 weekdays, or email [email protected] to get involved today.
www.nras.org.au
Byron Bay Hospital Auxiliary
Have you considered doing volunteer work to support your local hospital? Why not join the Byron Bay Hospital Auxiliary!
Volunteers are warmly welcomed and there’s always something you can do to assist the team in their good work, including helping with cake and plant stalls or selling raffle tickets.
Meetings are on the third Monday of the month.
Contact Maureen Weir on 6685 3162
Free support to rewild your Brunswick riverfront land!
Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) is calling on riverfront landholders to join our Rewilding Our Floodplains program and receive free support to restore your riparian areas.
Whether it’s a paddock, degraded bank or previously grazed land, if your property borders the Brunswick River, we want to hear from you!
We’ve already restored over 5,000m² of mangrove and riparian habitat locally—and we’re ready to do more, with funding, partners and resources available now.
Why? Because after years of floods and extreme weather, the Bruns River needs our support.
Interested? Join the Brunswick River Community Hub:
www.community.pcfml.org.au or email us at: [email protected]
to share more about your land
Murwillumbah Community Centre
Community starts with people - and at Murwillumbah Community Centre, they support that spirit from the ground up. Grassroots organisations like this often operate on limited funding but rely deeply on the passion, skills and knowledge of local people. Their Volunteer Program offers meaningful opportunities to grow, gain new skills and explore new career pathways.
They are currently seeking volunteers with skills and interests in reception and office admin, youth recreation and support, food hub shop assistant and cashier, community meals preparation, and spontaneous disaster response. Whether you’re looking to give back, build confidence or gain experience, they welcome you to join them in creating real change, together.
Please contact them on 02 6672 3003 or [email protected] for more information.
www.mccentre.org.au
