The Heart of Canberra Beats Through Its Volunteers
It’s early morning in the suburbs of Canberra. On one side of the city, Pearl Ansley is clipping on a leash at Domestic Animal Services, ready to walk a dog through a bush trail under a golden sunrise. On the other, Adrian Manning is checking equipment with the ACT State Emergency Service, standing ready to respond to the unexpected. In Civic, Christine Johnston prepares to meet someone navigating the justice system for the first time, while across town, a young changemaker named Casey pulls on gloves to test water quality as part of WaterWatch.
This is Canberra’s quiet chorus of kindness, the volunteers who give their time not for reward, but because it matters.
Why We Show Up
Three in four Canberrans over the age of 15 volunteer in some way, formally or informally. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a way of life here. We don’t just live in a city. We live in a community, and volunteering is how we make it stronger.
So why do we do it?
According to the latest ACT State of Volunteering Report, 61% of people say they volunteer simply to help others. But speak to volunteers and you’ll hear something deeper, about connection, meaning, and the quiet joy of showing up.
“It’s the best way to start the day,” Pearl shares, smiling as a dog bounds ahead of her. “The dogs love it, and I do too.”
For Casey Barancewicz, the 2024 ACT Young Volunteer of the Year, volunteering offers a dose of optimism in an uncertain world: “You’re giving your time to something meaningful. It helps you. It helps others. It helps the world.”
That reciprocity, the sense that in helping others, we also help ourselves, echoes across every story. From skills gained to friendships formed, Canberra’s volunteer culture doesn’t just serve the city; it shapes who we are.
Small Starts, Big Ripples
Manar Ahmad, co-founder of HelpingACT, describes volunteering not as a cost, but as something that has stretched his capabilities and brought him into contact with “wonderful people.” His advice? “If you’re nervous, start small. Then go deeper as your confidence grows.”
That’s the thing about volunteering in Canberra, you don’t have to start big. Whether it's sorting donations, mentoring young people, answering calls, helping the environment, or sharing your professional skills, every role adds a thread to the community fabric.
Christine, a long-serving volunteer with Victim Support ACT, says it best: “When someone’s anxious or overwhelmed, just being there matters.”
The Bigger Picture
National Volunteer Week (19–25 May) is more than a celebration; it’s a call to curiosity. What would our city look like without the 63 million hours of volunteering contributed each year? Who would step in to help animals, guide tourists, respond to floods, teach teens about mental health, or offer a shoulder to lean on?
Thankfully, we don’t have to find out.
Thanks to the ACT Government and VolunteeringACT, the new ACT Volunteering Strategy 2024–2034 is already laying the groundwork for the next decade. It focuses on recognition, building better volunteer experiences, and creating stronger connections between the community, government, and individuals.
As Minister Suzanne Orr notes, “From helping people in crisis to supporting environmental and animal welfare, Canberra’s volunteers are the quiet achievers who bring compassion, resilience and hope to our community.”
Ready to Be Part of It?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your time could make a difference, the answer is yes. Whether you have one hour a month or want to dive in fully, Canberra needs people like you.
Start with your passions. Love animals? Lend a hand at a shelter. Into the outdoors? Help with Landcare or WaterWatch. Want to make someone’s day a little easier? Plenty of local charities are looking for friendly faces.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, VolunteeringACT can help match your interests with opportunities across the region:
👉 www.volunteeringact.org.au
One Final Thank You
At Purpose Media CBR, we believe stories like these should be celebrated, not just once a year, but every day. To the Pearls, the Manars, the Christines, the Caseys, and the Adrians of Canberra: thank you. You remind us that the best parts of this city aren’t just the landmarks or events, but the people who choose to give, quietly and generously, behind the scenes.
If you’ve got a story of volunteering, a photo of a local legend in action, or a shout-out you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Tag us @PurposeCBR and help us spread the good.
Canberra is better because of you.
