National Volunteer Week 2025

National Volunteer Week runs annually, from the 19th – 25th of May.

This year’s theme is Connecting Communities, celebrating the powerful role of volunteering in building meaningful relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities. Relationships between individuals, communities, and organisations are formed through volunteering – and it’s these connections that create belonging, foster collaboration, and support thriving, inclusive communities.

Sports Focus interviewed some local sporting club volunteers, to shine a light on the amazing contribution and dedication that volunteers are providing community sport every single day…

 

Netball For All Bendigo

Kath Lakey & Kaye Johnston have both been volunteers for the Netball For All in Bendigo for 32 and 25 years, respectively. With years spent in president, secretary and treasurer roles, both Kath and Kaye now hold a different yet incredibly valuable role within the club – overseeing players, making sure everyone is involved, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

When asked what inspired them to start volunteering, Kath and Kaye gave very similar answers – for their daughters. “For our daughter, to enable her the same opportunity as everyone else,” reflected Kath. “I volunteered to give Emma [Kaye’s daughter] a chance at sport,” answered Kaye.

What would they say to someone considering volunteering in community sport? “Go for it, it’s really rewarding, even if you’ve never played that specific sport before,” said Kaye. “Hurry up and get involved – help to give everyone a chance to play sport, and you’ll see how rewarding it is,” Kath added.

When asked about the most rewarding moment during their time volunteering, it became clear that it wasn’t a single moment, but rather the entire experience. From the team environment and the care shown between players, to both sides cheering after a goal, to the long-term growth, advancements and friendships they’ve seen develop over the years – both Kaye and Kath agree that being part of this community has been one of the greatest privileges.

Pictured is Kath Lakey (left), Sally Parsons (current Umpire & Coach), and Kaye Johnston (right)

Bendigo Petanque Club

Since its founding in 2022, the Bendigo Petanque Club has thrived thanks to the dedication of passionate volunteers like Jill McArthur, the club’s founding President, and Rob Sheehan, who looks after Piste Development and Maintenance. Jill spends around eight hours each week volunteering for the club, handling everything from team coordination and administration to overall club development. Rob focuses on maintaining and tidying the club’s grounds, as well as developing the scorers for each piste (see photos!).

When asked what inspired them to get involved, Rob shared that being new to Bendigo, the club offered a fantastic way to meet people, make friends, and stay active – all while having fun. Jill said her motivation comes from a strong sense of community and a desire to give back, noting her genuine enjoyment she gains from her involvement in the club.

As for what they’d say to someone thinking about volunteering in community sport, both were enthusiastic. They highlighted the physical and mental benefits, the joy of staying engaged, and the incredible social connections that stretch across other Petanque clubs in regional Victoria.

When asked about their most rewarding or memorable moments, Jill spoke about the club’s growth – from just six members at the start to 47 today. Seeing people of all abilities laughing and enjoying themselves, she says, brings her real joy. Rob reflected on the friendships he’s formed, many of which extend beyond the sport itself. His involvement, he says, has helped him find a true sense of community.

Pictured is Jill (left) and Frank Ryder (Piste Development and Maintenance, right)

All Abilities Basketball

The diversity of volunteers within community sport is something to be recognised and celebrated this National Volunteer Week – the different programs, roles, and motivations behind each volunteer, and the impacts they make.
 
Ben Andrews is a shining example of this, demonstrating how young people can make a meaningful impact through sport and inclusion. Ben has been volunteering with the All Abilities Basketball program in Bendigo since March, as part of his placement through Lifely, from SEDA College VIC. With aspirations of a career in high-performance sport, Ben is using every opportunity to immerse himself in inclusive, community-based programs that foster participation and belonging.
 
When asked what his volunteering role is, and what that looks like week-to-week, Ben explained that he attends the All Abilities Basketball Program every Wednesday afternoon – helping to run the session, assist with drills and skill development, engage with the participants to ensure they’re enjoying the session, but most importantly, build relationships and connections with the participants.
 
What inspired Ben to start volunteering with such a program, and what keeps him coming back? Ben has a deep understanding that the impact of his volunteering is so valuable for the participants – for Ben, contributing a few hours each week is a small gesture – yet one that creates significant opportunities for others. The program offers people with disabilities the chance to play a sport they love, whilst connecting with others at a similar skill level.
 
When asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering in community sport, Ben reiterated that small commitments – like giving just an hour or two a week – can lead to lasting, positive impacts.
 
Similar to many volunteers, Ben doesn’t have a singular instance that has been the most rewarding – rather he says every week he feels a sense of pride, especially with the participants recognising him, showing excitement to see him, and knowing that he is contributing to a sense of familiarity and safety for participants.

Bendigo Rowing Club

The theme for 2025’s National Volunteer Week is “Connecting Communities” – which Bendigo Rowing Club’s President, Cathleen Farrelly, embodies as a dedicated and passionate volunteer.
 
Cathleen learnt to row in 1997, and has been volunteering with the Bendigo Rowing Club for 23 years now. Taking on numerous roles over the years – from being a junior learn-to-row coach, coaching her daughters crew and coordinating mature women’s introductory rowing programs, to Secretary, Treasurer and President roles within the Committee – Cathleen has had a vast impact on her clubs operations.
 
When asked what inspired her to begin volunteering, Cathleen said it was when her daughter turned 12 and began rowing too. Having her own kids involved in the sport and club, made Cathleen eager to give back and contribute. With an obvious love and passion for the sport and her community, Cathleen also expressed her desire to foster greater access to rowing for the next generation. The Bendigo Rowing Club has undertaken significant efforts to enhance the accessibility of rowing, with a particular focus on reducing financial barriers for the broader community, which Cathleen is very proud of. “Building our diversity by offering new opportunities, such as our Learn to Row with the Karen Community Program has been wonderful – it makes our Club richer”.
 
And what would Cathleen say to someone considering volunteering in community sport? She says definitely go for it, and that everyone get’s more out of it than they initially think. Considering all of the enthusiasm and passion she gets to see from her volunteering, and the friends made along the way, makes it an easy recommendation from Cathleen.
 
Offering rowing opportunities to individuals who had never imagined themselves participating, and witnessing these new members embrace the sport and achieve success on various levels, has been one of Cathleen’s most rewarding experiences during her time as a volunteer. She also expresses deep appreciation for her dedicated team of fellow volunteers at the club, who she has unwavering praise for.