Southern Downs Regional Council invites the valued volunteers of the Southern Downs to a celebratory morning to recognise their vital work and to say thank you!

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers.

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. In recognition of the vital role volunteers play in making the Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay, Council is hosting FREE morning teas in Stanthorpe and Warwick.

These special events are opportunities to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invite people not currently volunteering to give it a go. National Volunteer Week 2025 celebrates the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme Connecting Communities. Join us this National Volunteer Week as we explore how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging.

More than six million people in Australia volunteer through organisations across the nation. Millions more volunteer informally in their local communities, helping neighbours and strangers, especially in times of crisis and adversity. Volunteers are an essential workforce, spanning major sectors, including aged care and disability care; community welfare; sports and the arts; crisis preparedness, response, and recovery; and environmental sustainability and protection. Australia’s communities and lifestyle are underpinned by the contributions of volunteers.

If you would like to attend either of Council's FREE thank you morning teas for Southern Downs volunteers, please register by Thursday, 15 May 2025. To register, contact Council’s Community Development Team at commdev@sdrc.qld.gov.au or on 1300 697 372 with your name, phone number, email address, organisation you volunteer with, and whether you would like to attend the event in Stanthorpe or Warwick.