• One third of adult Australians (5.2 Million), South Australians (31.4%) and Territorians (35.8%) volunteer

• The national voluntary contribution is valued at more than $40Billion

• Volunteering is already an important part of daily life for many people

• Volunteers provide services in health and welfare, arts and culture, sport and recreation, conservation, community based media and a host of other services. They are also present in the political and democratic process as members and officers of political parties and are the social fabric of our society

• Voluntary activities are pathways into community and personal development providing opportunities for personal growth, greater personal health and wellbeing, social interaction and the sharing, broadening and development of skills

• Volunteering can be of great value in preparing people for the workplace, changing career pathways, making the transition to retirement, creating links and connections with their own communities, contributing to better health and rehabilitation or supporting family life practices

• Volunteering is an important mechanism for empowerment through participation in democratic process at the local level. High levels of participation in volunteering is a strong indicator of a healthy society.

(ABS Voluntary Workforce Survey, 2006)