ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The JNC acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, the Gadigal and Bidjigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that these lands always were and always will be Aboriginal lands. We celebrate First Nations Peoples’ connection to the land and recognise the importance of Indigenous voices and culture. We would like to advise that there may be images or videos on this website of people who have since passed.

National Volunteer Week

This National Volunteer Week we celebrate the 9.5 million Australians who volunteer each year and highlight the vital role volunteers play in building a better world for all.

This year’s theme ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ is part of the UN supported International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. The theme is a call to action, one that you have already taken, to give back to the community and create a better world.

Volunteers hold deep cultural and social significance. Over a long period, volunteering has been a part of human connection, from mutual aid to organised movements, volunteering is embedded in traditions across cultures, fostering a sense of belonging. Today, volunteering is evolving into digital, skills-based volunteer opportunities, especially in communities which are remote or underserved.

At JNC, you play a crucial role in our work in strengthening local community wellbeing while simultaneously contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a UN adopted blueprint of 17 interconnected goals aiming to achieve a better, more sustainable future by 2030. They address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The goals are designed to leave no one behind.

Through activities such as community engagement, and support for older people, your volunteering contribution helps reduce social isolation and fosters meaningful connections across the community, particularly Goal number 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal number 10, Reduced Inequalities, and Goal number 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. By improving mental wellbeing, supporting vulnerable groups, and building inclusive local networks, JNC volunteers contribute directly to healthier and more resilient communities.

JNC volunteers demonstrate how global goals can be translated into practical, local action, where simple acts of connection create lasting social impact.

By strengthening social cohesion and encouraging active participation, our volunteers embody the principle that strong communities are built through collective effort. Your contribution highlights how grassroots volunteering not only improves individual lives but also advances broader international goals for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Thank you for choosing to volunteer with JNC!