Make 2026 Your Year To Volunteer

From wildlife caring, to country kitchens or supporting people with disability – a world of volunteering opportunities awaits at this year’s Volunteer Expo!

This year’s event is set to be one of the biggest on record, with 55 community, support and other organisations have registered.

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The Volunteer Expo is being held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday, May 17 from 9am until midday.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said volunteering is at the heart of sustainable and supportive communities.

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“There are so many benefits to volunteering – from the people and organisations being supported, to those who so generously donate their time and skills.  It increases community and individual wellbeing and drives positive change in the community,” Deputy Mayor May said.

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“What’s great about events like our Volunteers Expo is it gives people a one-stop shop to see what’s out there – and it could be something you’d never thought of,” she said.

“Feedback from previous years shows how valuable this expo is to our community groups, with one organisation signing up more than a dozen volunteers on the day.”

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Data from Volunteering Queensland shows that for every $1 invested in volunteering, there’s a $4.70 return to the community.

More than 110,000 jobs were created in 2024 through spending on volunteering – with the sector worth more than $117-billion to the state economy.

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Cr May said volunteering gives people to build on their passions while learning new skills and meeting new people.

“It also opens up opportunities beyond the organisation a person volunteers with – it can help build new professional relationships and create new connections,” she said.

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“Data from Volunteering Queensland shows the overwhelming majority of people (64 percent) volunteer because they want to help others and the Volunteers Expo has dozens of options for people to help others.

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Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free.  

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For more information, visit the event page on Facebook

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