In brief:

• National Volunteer Week in the ACT runs from 19-25 May.
• This article shares some of Canberra's volunteer stories.

National Volunteer Week runs from 19-25 May. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate volunteers in Australia.

Volunteers make a positive impact on Canberra and its people.

No matter what you enjoy doing, there's a way to help. This could be working with people or caring for animals or plants.

Meet some of Canberra's volunteers.

Pearl, Domestic Animal Services volunteer

Pearl has been volunteering with Domestic Animal Services for six years.

‘It’s the best way to start the day! I usually walk dogs around the gorgeous bush trail first thing in the morning. It’s so beautiful to be surrounded by nature, wildlife and of course the gorgeous dogs in the morning sunshine,’ she said.

Since 2020, Pearl has spent countless hours at the shelter improving the wellbeing of dogs searching for their forever home.

‘Some dogs come in very timid and seeing them grow into happy and confident dogs makes me so grateful I get to be a part of the work Domestic Animal Services do for these animals,’ Pearl said.

Learn more about volunteering with Domestic Animal Services.

Andrew Manning, ACT State Emergency Service volunteer

Andrew had just turned 18 when he decided to volunteer for the ACT State Emergency Service.

‘Volunteering for the ACT State Emergency Service was something completely different. Not only was I able to help my community, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and trades, and that training has actually helped me in my paid roles in life,’ Andrew said.

‘It’s very rewarding to be able to assist the community. We sign up to help people, and whether it's in Canberra or Queensland, it doesn't really make a difference,’ he said.

Find out more about volunteering for the ACT Emergency Services Agency.

Manar, Co-founder of HelpingACT

Manar is the co-founder of HelpingACT. The charity aims to support Canberra’s most vulnerable through access to food and necessities.

He believes volunteering is a key to ensuring community services can be delivered efficiently.

‘If you’re nervous, start with volunteering that does not demand much from you and then go in deeper when you are more comfortable. My life is richer because of volunteering, and despite the hours I spend volunteering, I don’t see that as a cost. It has brought me in contact with wonderful people and made me stretch my capabilities,’ Manar said.

Learn more about HelpingACT.

Casey, volunteer at the National Arboretum, MIEACT and WaterWatch

Casey started volunteering to make a difference. She had always had grand ideas of environmental and societal change, and decided she wanted to be at the forefront of this change.

‘Volunteering has taught me to take initiative, and it gives me hope. Time is a valuable resource. By volunteering, you can give your time and energy to something you view as important. Volunteering has many benefits. It helps you. It helps others. It helps the world,’ Casey said.

Find out more about volunteering on the Volunteering ACT website.

Read more like this:

• Helping volunteers protect our green spaces
• Domestic Animal Services long-termer finds his fairytale
• Introducing the 2025 ACT Australian of the Year winners

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