BACKING THE BACKBONE - VOLUNTEER SECTOR RECEIVES $1.2M LIFELINE

A $1.2 million funding package aimed at strengthening Queensland’s volunteer sector could help local organisations address declining participation and volunteer hours, with Burdekin groups among those facing ongoing challenges rebuilding their ranks. Photo source: Burdekin Domestic & Family Abuse Prevention Network

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A $1.2 million funding package aimed at strengthening Queensland’s volunteer sector could help local organisations address declining participation and volunteer hours, with Burdekin groups among those facing ongoing challenges rebuilding their ranks.

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The State Government announced the funding as part of its 2026-27 State Budget, with the investment to support the development of a 10-year volunteering plan, strengthening partnerships across the sector and identifying ways to reduce administrative barriers for volunteers.

The announcement comes as community groups across the Burdekin continue to recover from significant declines in volunteer participation following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Lions Club of Ayr, which had served the community for 60 years, closed in 2020 after membership fell to just four remaining members.

The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has also experienced a drop in volunteer numbers, falling from more than 100 members before the pandemic to 64 today.

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While BCA’s volunteer numbers have stabilised at around 60 in recent years, the organisation has recorded a decline in the number of hours contributed by volunteers, with a nine per cent reduction between the 2024-25 financial year and the previous year.

The State Government said the new funding would support 18 initiatives developed in response to recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering, with the aim of making it easier for Queenslanders to participate.

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Queensland Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said the investment would help strengthen the sector and support organisations that rely on community contributions.

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“Volunteers are the backbone of Queensland communities and we’re backing them with increased funding to the volunteering sector,” Ms Leahy said.

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“This year’s Budget support will enhance the ability of volunteer organisations to build resilient, connected communities and encourage more people to get involved and stay involved.”

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The funding will also support the creation of a 10-year volunteering plan intended to provide a long-term framework for the sector.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger welcomed the commitment, saying stronger partnerships and reduced barriers would help create a more accessible volunteering environment.

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“The renewed commitment to a 10-year volunteering plan, strong sector partnerships and removing government barriers to participation will contribute to a more sustainable and accessible volunteering landscape,” Ms Hedger said.

The State Government’s announcement follows concerns from community organisations across regional Queensland about the challenges of attracting and retaining volunteers.

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The Burdekin’s volunteer sector supports a wide range of community services, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations, with many groups relying on a small number of dedicated members to continue operating.

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The funding package forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s stated commitment to supporting Queensland’s volunteer workforce, which it describes as critical to the strength of local communities.

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