- National Volunteer Week celebrated from 15-21 May 2023
- The theme for 2023 is 'The Change Makers'
- Week celebrated with naming ceremony of new Marine Rescue vessel in Two Rocks
Volunteering Minister Stephen Dawson has today launched National Volunteer Week alongside volunteers from the Two Rocks Marine Rescue Service.
Held from the 15 to 21 of May, National Volunteer Week is Australia's biggest annual celebration of volunteering, shining a light on local heroes and their wide-ranging contributions to Australian society.
This year's theme, "The Change Makers" recognises volunteers as "Change Makers who take action to make the world a better place."
The week is packed with events which honour exceptional volunteers, including the State Government Volunteer Service Awards and the Western Australian Volunteer of the Year awards, coordinated by Volunteering WA.
In addition, grant recipients will host events to acknowledge the work of volunteers and help raise awareness of the benefits of voluntary service. Around WA, 179 organisations will share in a total of $203,965 in Lotterywest funding to help celebrate.
Today, volunteers from the Two Rocks Marine Rescue Service were presented with a brand-new vessel to kick off the week's festivities. Named the "Neptune", the $750,000 boat will enhance the service's ability to respond to emergencies at sea, helping volunteers in their vital work keeping local boaties and ocean users safe.
For more information on National Volunteer Week and resources visit Volunteering WA's National Volunteer Week web page.
Comments attributed to Volunteering Minister Stephen Dawson:
"On behalf of the McGowan Government, I'd like to thank each and every volunteer in Western Australia as we celebrate National Volunteer Week.
"This is a great chance for all Western Australians to reflect on the outstanding work of volunteers and consider volunteering in their community.
"There are so many opportunities across a wide-range of sectors, and you get out just as much as you put in.
"The team at Two Rocks Marine Rescue Service epitomise this volunteering spirit - they give up so much of their time and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"This selfless organisation is made up of people from all walks of life - they are retirees, students, professionals, and tradespeople, all united by a common goal: to help others and make a difference.
"The handover of this new vessel represents the McGowan Government's respect for the work they do."
Minister's office - 6552 5800
