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Celebrating National Volunteering Week

Author

AJ

Published

12 May 2026

Category

Social Impact

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Volunteer Opportunities at Y Queensland

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering — a time to recognise the generous contributions of volunteers and the powerful impact they have in creating strong, connected communities.

Did You Know?

Y Queensland is proud to have more than 200 dedicated volunteers supporting communities across our services, including Community Centres, Housing, Youth Services, Y Schools Queensland, Op Shops, Gymnastics, Recreation, Outside School Hours Care, and community programs. Every day, our volunteers bring passion, kindness and connection to the people and communities we serve.

From supporting young people and families, to creating welcoming spaces in our community centres and Op Shops, our volunteers play an important role in helping communities feel more connected, supported and empowered.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we spoke with volunteers from across Y Queensland to hear their stories — why they started volunteering, what keeps them inspired, the impact volunteering has had on their lives and the advice they would give to others thinking about giving back to their community.

From Volunteer to Store Supervisor: Helen’s Journey at the Y

Helen’s journey at Y Queensland began in 2022 when she started volunteering at the YMCA Op Shop Mt Gravatt after spending more than six years caring for her father. Looking for a way to reconnect with the workforce and community, Helen found the Y aligned perfectly with her values.

“Y Queensland is a non-profit organisation that helps the local community and fit perfectly with my values,” she shared.

After a few months volunteering, Helen was offered a Store Supervisor role and, with the support and flexibility of the team, eventually transitioned into full-time work.

For Helen, the most rewarding part is knowing the work makes a difference.

“It makes our day when someone thanks us and tells us we made a difference in their life.”

Helen says volunteering helped rebuild her confidence and refresh her skills after time away from work. Her advice to anyone considering volunteering at the Y: “Do it! It will change your life!”

Volunteer Stories Across Y Queensland

Our volunteers come from across the many services that make up Y Queensland, and each story is as unique and inspiring as the people who tell it.

Thank You, Volunteers

Your time, energy, and dedication are truly appreciated. Every day, you help create meaningful impact by supporting services that uplift individuals, strengthen families, and bring communities together.

Whether you are welcoming people at a community centre, assisting customers in our Op Shops, supporting young people, or simply offering a smile and a kind word, your contribution makes a lasting difference. The care and compassion you bring to every interaction is felt far and wide across our communities.

On behalf of the entire Y Queensland team, thank you for your generosity, commitment and support. We are deeply grateful for everything you do to help build healthier, more connected, and thriving communities.

There’s Something for Everyone

Thinking about getting involved? Volunteering at Y Queensland is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Whether you're passionate about:
There’s a place for you at the Y. Check out the volunteering opportunitiues we have at Y Queensland below! 
Volunteer Opportunities at Y Queensland

Author

AJ

Published

12 May 2026

Category

Social Impact

Share

  |  
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