This week we celebrate National Volunteers Week until 23 May. With a number of organisations that rely on volunteers to help run their respective charities or not-for-profit organisations, the pats on the back and thank-you's will be flowing.

Volunteers help run our successful events like the just complete Gemfest and June's Lismore Lantern Parade.

Friends of the Koala and the RSPCA will be celebrating the incredible work of their volunteers as part of National Volunteers Week.   

“National Volunteers Week is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and thank our volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to our mission,” says Friends of the Koala President, Susannah Keogh. 

Since the organisation formed 35 years ago, Friends of the Koala has grown in size and impact, now tending to approximately 50% of the sick, injured and orphaned koalas rescued in NSW each year. Today, Friends of the Koala have nearly 150 active volunteers who are engaged in habitat restoration, koala rescue and rehabilitation, nursery, leaf collection in addition to management and advocacy.  The organisation also operates the regions only dedicated, 24/7 Koala Rescue Hotline which is completely staffed by volunteers.  

(Friends of the Koala volunteers Paul White and Lindy Brown)

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. They’re the everyday superheroes who make our vital work possible. If we were to put a dollar value on the contribution volunteers make to our organisation each year, the total would be close to a million dollars” says Ms Keogh. 

In addition to thanking volunteers, celebrating National Volunteers Week highlights the benefits of community service.  

“Many of our volunteers develop personally while working with us, gaining confidence, learning new skills and making like-minded friends, all while contributing to our cause,” says Ms Keogh.  

For volunteer opportunities with Friends of the Koala please visit https://friendsofthekoala.org/.

RSPCA NSW incorporates 2924 volunteers across the state who gave 220,000 hours to helping people and animals this past year, including a couple of volunteers who are celebrating 40 years with RSPCA NSW.

There is no one way to volunteer with RSPCA NSW;

• Our volunteers utilised their professional skills or hobbies to assist with the day-to-day operations of our shelters, Care Centre and op shops.
• RSPCA NSW branches rehomed animals and provided crucial community assistance via fundraising drives in their townships.
• Foster carers provided loving home environments for animals to grow, mature and recover.

RSPCA NSW General Manager, Community and Engagement Ursula McGeown said, "our volunteers champion the RSPCA NSW name within their local communities and their dedication and selflessness continues to give a voice to the abandoned, neglected and injured animals who need them.

"The work our volunteers do is invaluable, it creates a life-changing difference to animals in need, and RSPCA NSW would not be where we are today without the helping hand of our amazing volunteers."

Please check all of our latest volunteer opportunities online if you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for RSPCA NSW.