Volunteering trends.

Australia currently has 5.2 million people or approx 35% of its population over 18 years volunteering. This has increased steadily since the first ABS Voluntary Work Survey in 1995 which had a rate of 24%, and 32% in 2000 ABS Voluntary Work Survey.

Australian volunteer rate by age (%)

There have been increases in the volunteering rate (1995-2006), across all age groups with the 35-44 year age group having the highest rate of volunteering.

Data source: ABS 2006 4441.0 Voluntary Work, Australia p 74

Volunteer rate by age + by state (%)

When we compare the volunteer rates in different states, we discover that Queensland has among the highest volunteering rate in Australia, second behind ACT. The graph below compares the states and the volunteering rate for each age group.

Data source: ABS 2006 4441.0 Voluntary Work, Australia p 27

Median annual volunteer hours

Whilst the rates of volunteering have increased markedly, the amount of time in total hours has also increased. However, the median amount of time that individuals give on annual basis has dropped. This is a reflection of our busy lifestyle with more people volunteering, but giving less time. The graph below shows the decrease in the median hours.

Data source: ABS 2006 4441.0 Voluntary Work, Australia p 75

Australian volunteer rates by country of birth (%)

Volunteers are a diverse group with those born in Australia, slightly more likely to volunteer than those born outside of Australia. The group that has the highest volunteering rate (around 47%) are those individuals aged 35-44 who were born in Australia.

Note: Main English-speaking countries are UK, Ireland, NZ, USA and SA
Data source: ABS 2006 4441.0 Voluntary Work, Australia p 26

Volunteer rate by organisation type in Qld (%)

The type of organisations that individuals volunteer for is as diverse as our culture. People are most likely to volunteer for sport and physical recreation organisations whilst emergency services, environment and animal welfare organisations had the least number of volunteers.

Data source: ABS 2006 4441.0 Voluntary Work, Australia p43

Australian volunteer rate by activity type (%)

Volunteers are also engaged in various activities with fundraising and food preparation as common volunteering pursuits. Less common volunteering activities include emergency response and advocacy.

Data source: ABS 2006 4441.0 Voluntary Work, Australia p43

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