- Today, 5 December marks International Volunteer Day
- Nominations now open for 2025 WA Volunteer Service Awards
- Awards recognise volunteers for their valuable contributions
In celebration of International Volunteer Day, the Cook Government is calling for nominations to recognise Western Australian volunteers in the 2025 WA Volunteer Service Awards.
International Volunteer Day is celebrated across the world annually on 5 December and is known as Thank a Volunteer Day in Western Australia.
The WA Volunteer Services Awards recognise and celebrate volunteers for their valuable contributions across our State.
Nominations for the 2025 WA Volunteers Service Awards can be made across the following years of service categories: 5-9 years; 10-19 years; 20-29 years; 30-39 years; 40-49 years; 50-59 years and a Lifetime of voluntary service (60 years and over).
Nominations are open online until 28 February 2025, with an award ceremony to be held during National Volunteer Week between 19 to 25 May 2025.
The awards are a key initiative by the State Government to demonstrate its support and recognition of volunteers. The categories were expanded last year to better capture the diverse volunteering activity across the State, including contributions by younger volunteers.
Since the WA Volunteer Service Awards commenced in 2012, a total of 3,579 individuals have been recognised for their incredible service to Western Australian communities.
This year the focus of International Volunteer Day is on how volunteers can contribute to achieving the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals for a better planet, now and into the future.
The Cook Government has contributed $70,000 to 71 community organisations and local government authorities across the State hosting Thank a Volunteer Day celebrations.
Highlights of this year's event program include Picnic in the Paddock by Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia - Carine Group Inc, a morning tea at the Wildflower Society of Western Australia's new Wildflower Nursery, and Bands Bash at the Oval by Wickepin Community Resource Centre.
For more information about how to get involved in an event near you, or to nominate a long-serving volunteer or self-nominate for the 2025 WA Volunteer Service Awards, please visit Department of Communities - Volunteering .
As stated by Volunteering Minister Don Punch:
"The WA Volunteer Service Awards are an annual highlight on the volunteering calendar.
"The Cook Government is committed to celebrating and recognising volunteers and their valuable contributions across Western Australia that make our communities better places.
"I strongly encourage you to nominate somebody you know who deserves recognition in the 2025 WA Volunteer Service Awards.
"On behalf of the Cook Government, I extend a big thank you to the Western Australian volunteering community."
