The year to celebrate volunteers

Media release

Thursday 29 February

Celebrate the incredible impact of volunteers across Queensland this year by nominating a volunteer, manager, or organisation for the Queensland Volunteering Awards.

Proudly sponsored by the Queensland Government, the Queensland Volunteering Awards celebrate Queensland’s volunteers and organisations and the immense impact they make on individuals, communities and the state.

Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said Queensland’s volunteers are at the heart of what makes our communities strong, resilient and connected.

“The Queensland Volunteering Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution volunteers and volunteer organisations make across our state.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to nominate the people and organisations who inspire them, because their efforts deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.” 

The Queensland Volunteering Awards is the most significant event of the year in the state’s volunteering calendar and has been since its inception in 2016,” says Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger.

“It’s an important opportunity for us to come together and meaningfully acknowledge and celebrate the people and organisations that hold our communities together.

“As the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, 2026 is your year to recognise the value of volunteers in your community. I encourage everyone to nominate an individual or organisation that inspires them for an award.”

The Awards ceremony, held on Friday 15 May 2026, is echoed by National Volunteer Week from 18th-24th May 2026. The theme, It’s Your Year to Volunteer, honours the contributions of volunteers and encourages people across Australia to make 2026 the year they get involved.

National Volunteer Week celebrates the commitment of volunteers and invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can spark joy, and a deep sense of purpose.

Nominations for the Queensland Volunteering Awards close 5pm, 31 March 2026.

Start your nomination online here.

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Media Contact

Rumer Grace Archer

rumer-grace.archer@volunteeringqld.org.au

07 3002 7612