Skip to main content

What are you looking for?

Enter keywords to search across resources, guides, training, tools, and more.

Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
Position Paper
1 minute read

Definition of Volunteering

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

Introduced in 2015, Volunteering Australia’s Definition of Volunteering has a set of explanatory notes, a detailed Issues Paper that provides background and context, and a set of FAQs around it.

Summary

The Definition of Volunteering describes volunteering as 'time willingly given for the common good without financial gain'. It includes both formal and informal activities but excludes some other factors.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

This updated definition helps volunteer organisations by providing a clear framework for what constitutes volunteering. It emphasises best practices and highlights the mutual benefits for both society and volunteers.

Application for Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteer management practitioners can use this definition to better structure their programs, ensuring they align with best practices. It also helps in recognising and valuing the contributions of volunteers more effectively.

Downloads and sources

Visit source

More about the author

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Their vision is to promote strong, connected communities through volunteering, and their mission is to lead, strengthen, promote and celebrate volunteering in Australia.
hello@volunteeringaustralia.org 02 6189 4921
Visit website

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Information

A Guide to Work Health and Safety for Volunteer Organisations

A comprehensive guide covering the WHS duties of a volunteer involving organisation. This resource covers specific topics including volunteering from home, emergency service volunteers, and bullying, harassment and discrimination duties.
1 minute read
Safe Work Australia
General
Information

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is a website and phone line set up by the Australian Government to connect carers with essential information and support services.
1 minute read
Department of Social Services
General
Weblinks

National Volunteering Guide

The National Volunteering Guide is an invaluable resource for organisations managing volunteers. It covers the entire volunteer lifecycle, from recruitment and induction to performance management and the conclusion of volunteer roles.
1 minute read
Not-For-Profit Law
General
VIKTOR Lite
Tech

VIKTOR Lite

VIKTOR Lite enables volunteer involving organisations to recruit volunteers via a range of websites run by local governments, state peaks, local volunteer resource centres, Volunteering Australia and SEEK Volunteer.
Volunteer database Recruitment Onboarding / training Reporting
Be Collective
Tech

Be Collective

A volunteer management & community engagement platform. Be Collective is all about empowering volunteering and the organisations supporting volunteering to build stronger, more sustainable networks for doing good.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
Rosterfy
Tech

Rosterfy

Rosterfy is an end-to-end volunteer management software solution, that helps organisations streamline their volunteer management and engagement. Rosterfy offers automated solutions to manage volunteers efficiently.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
scheduled

Volunteering SA&NT Member's Volunteer Management Forum

This member-only event brings together volunteer leaders to explore best‑practice volunteer engagement, share real-world insights and strengthen sector connections. Guest speaker presentation on Tech & AI in Volunteer Management, panel on the stages of volunteer involvement cycle and catered lunch.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free
scheduled

2026 National Volunteering Conference

Under the theme Innovation and Impact: Reimagining Volunteering, the conference will bring us together to address high-priority issues and explore bold, practical solutions that support the National Strategy for Volunteering.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
A$450.00
scheduled

Co-design Training: Practical Module

This training will equip you with tools to involve people with lived experience in shaping projects, programs and policies including tools to gain authentic insights through an inclusive process to create outcomes in the community.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free