Western Australian not for profits are enjoying high volunteer levels as post-pandemic residual effects diminish and more young people step up to the challenge.
The global COVID-19 pandemic led to a major drop in the volunteer workforce, as individual people stepped back due to high risk of contracting the virus and corporate groups cancelled volunteer plans.
Foodbank WA was one of the many charities that experienced significant strain over the past few years due to the pandemic, but this year, in time for National Volunteer Week, Foodbank WA celebrates a volunteer workforce of 342 regular individual volunteers and more than 3,500 corporate volunteers.
Foodbank WA chief executive Kate O’Hara said volunteers created a ripple effect that strengthened the fabric of society.
“When people volunteer, they contribute to causes that make their communities a better place, and often more inclusive,” Ms O’Hara said.
“The rising cost of living and higher demand for food relief required more support despite fewer available volunteers. Thankfully, our volunteer numbers have picked up again post-2023.
“We highly value and appreciate our volunteers because they are essential each day to ensure we can deliver the needed support and we literally could not do what we do without them.
“Volunteers fill critical roles that paid staff may not be able to cover and without them, many valuable programs and resources would disappear, leaving gaps in support systems.”
Sam is one of over 3,800 dedicated volunteers at Foodbank WA.
Ms O’Hara said volunteering was not only beneficial for charities and the people they serve through their services but created opportunities to develop new skills and gain experience that can assist with careers or educational endeavours.
“Knowing that your efforts are making a real difference can boost confidence and mental well-being,” Ms O’Hara said.
“Choosing to volunteer is choosing to invest in kindness, resilience, and progress. Whether it’s one hour a week or a full-time commitment, every effort counts.
“Our communities thrive when we step up and contribute, and there’s no better place to do that than at a not for profit.”
"Volunteering at Foodbank brings me a sense of empathy, gratitude, and a stronger connection to my community." Foodbank WA volunteer Sam
Foodbank WA volunteer Sam said each shift brought her a sense of purpose.
“As a volunteer, I see how Foodbank acts as a lifeline to countless families doing it tough. The service it provides goes far beyond food – it offers dignity, hope and stability during difficult times,” she said.
“Volunteering at Foodbank brings me a sense of empathy, gratitude, and a stronger connection to my community.
“It’s inspiring to work alongside passionate volunteers and staff, all united by a common goal of helping others. Every shift I do, I witness the incredible impact the organisation makes, not just filling pantries but building stronger communities.”
Youth step up to volunteer
Volunteering is more than simply donating time to help a not for profit with tasks; it’s an opportunity to learn new skills, strengthen existing abilities, form connections, and make meaningful contributions to community.
This National Volunteer Week, the Y WA celebrates all the people who choose to give their time to uplift, lead, and drive change, particularly the young people who are building brighter futures through volunteering.
In fact, young people are leading the way in volunteering in WA, with the latest research from the State of Volunteering Report WA 2023 finding 78.2 per cent of people under 25 years are involved in some form of volunteer work.
The experience of volunteering allows a young person to build skills, open pathways to employment and develop an overall sense of purpose.
The Y WA volunteer Connor Thompson became involved with the not for profit when he started performing with his band Centre and frequented all-ages gigs through the Y HQ in Leederville.
Connor Thompson's (right) volunteer work with the Y WA provided him with the skills to acquire full-time employment.
Connor was then invited to join Youth Squad, a volunteer leadership program for young people aged 16 to 25 and it was through this program that he discovered his passion for events and community engagement.
Connor quickly became a key member of the Youth Squad team, taking the lead on major events like HQ’s Youth Week celebrations.
As Event Manager, he secured sponsorship from leading skate retailer Beyond Skate, engaged local businesses, and helped transform a single event into a precinct-wide celebration of youth, culture and community.
The Y HQ youth events officer Sammie Fletcher works closely with the Youth Squad, and said the program fuelled Connor’s leadership development and greatly increased his skillset.
“Youth Squad gave Connor a safe and supportive space to explore, experiment, and grow,” Ms Fletcher said.
“From event coordination and marketing to stakeholder engagement and production, the hands-on experience helped him build confidence, connections and a clear pathway into the events industry.”
Now at age 20, Connor works as operations coordinator at Mellen Events – an official partner of Live Nation – helping deliver some of WA's biggest concerts, including the Kings Park Concert Series.
“Connor’s story shows us what’s possible when young people are supported, trusted, and given the chance to lead, not just for their own growth, but for the communities they help shape,” Ms Fletcher said.
Josh Peckover started volunteering with the Y WA in 2019, and is now a full-time paid worker at the not for profit.
Josh Peckover is another young person who has been involved with the Y WA for several years, joining the Y WA Youth Parliament in 2019 at the age of 16.
After two years as a participant – which included a stint as youth leader of the opposition – Josh continued his involvement in a volunteer capacity through the Youth Parliament Taskforce.
The Taskforce is the engine behind Youth Parliament and is made up of 15 passionate young volunteers who manage everything from communications and operations to education and training.
Their efforts ensure the program remains a high-impact, youth-led initiative that gives young people a real say in the issues that matter to them.
In 2024, Josh turned his volunteering experience into full-time employment after being appointed as a program coordinator.
“Starting as a participant in 2019, I’ve been fortunate to see the program grow over the five years I’ve been involved,” Josh said.
“Volunteering gave me the confidence, skills, and network to step into a leadership role and now, a career.”
The Y WA’s board of directors is made up entirely of volunteers who share their time, insights, and leadership to guide the not for profit’s strategic direction.
Alinta Energy executive director Chris Campbell volunteers as the Y WA board president.
Alinta Energy executive director retail markets Chris Campbell joined the Y WA board in 2019 and now serves as board president. He said he believed every child and young person deserved the chance to be heard, safe, and to flourish.
“Contributing to an organisation that puts children and young people at the centre of everything it does is both a responsibility and a privilege,” Mr Campbell said.
“I keep volunteering because what we do makes a real difference. When we truly listen to young people and act on their voices, we help create stronger, safer communities where they can flourish.”
The Y WA executive manager of education, youth and leisure Anjie Brook expressed her gratitude to all of the not for profit's dedicated volunteers, from the young people to the board members.
“To Connor, Josh, Chris and the countless others volunteering across WA: thank you,” she said.
“You are the changemakers, the future shapers, and we’re proud to celebrate you.”
