Volunteering is the quiet engine behind many of Australia’s most vital community services. From emergency response and environmental conservation to mental health and aged care, volunteers provide over 489.5 million hours of unpaid support annually — a figure that underpins not only economic resilience but also social cohesion (Volunteering Australia, 2023).
For government leaders, volunteer programs offer a unique opportunity: to extend public services, foster civic pride, and build community resilience—especially in an era where budgets are tight and expectations are high.
Here’s a practical roadmap for public sector leaders to build—or rebuild—a high-impact volunteer initiative.
Tip: Start with a needs analysis using local data (council reports, Australian Bureau of Statistics ABS, consultations).
Ask: What are the key challenges our community is facing that volunteers could help solve?
Example: A rural council identifies isolation in older adults as a top issue. It launches a volunteer companion program coordinated with local services.
Research shows that communities with active volunteer programs experience higher levels of citizen engagement and community cohesion. Volunteerism not only fosters meaningful connections and promotes general wellbeing, but also provides pathways to employment through skills development and valuable networking opportunities.
Download the white paper: Why cities and local government organisations should consider adopting a centralised volunteer management model.
Tip: Use a logic model or impact framework to set goals that matter:
e.g., “Improve food security for 500 households by June 2026.”
Tools: Volunteering Australia’s National Strategy for Volunteering (2023)
NSW Office of Social Impact Measurement Tools
The Children’s Hospital Foundation (CHF) enhanced volunteer engagement using Rosterfy, automating onboarding, compliance checks, and shift tracking across 8+ programs. With a 75% attendance target and deep reporting capabilities, CHF now aligns volunteer efforts with patient impact.
Read the full case study: How the Children’s Hospital Foundation designs for impact, not just activity, whilst enhancing the volunteer experience.
Tip: Streamline recruitment, onboarding, and communication with digital platforms.
Real-World Example:
The British Heart Foundation grew to 6,000+ compliant volunteers while reducing admin by 75% with digital systems saving approximately $380,000 AUD per year thanks to streamlining admin processes and improving data accessibility. Read the British Heart Foundation case study here.
Tip: Tailor strategies for different demographics:
Youth: Offer micro-volunteering or skills-based opportunities that provide flexibility, making it easier for younger volunteers to contribute meaningfully to your organisation.
Culturally Diverse Communities: Co-design programs with local leaders
Corporate Volunteers: Partner with local employers for group volunteering days
Visit our white paper: How to create a successful and sustainable corporate volunteer program that supports your Government organisation.
Tip: Volunteers want to know they made a difference.
Use surveys, infographics, and brief reports to show outcomes.
What to Measure:
Rosterfy helps you automate more of your manual tasks and easily manage a rewarding experience for your volunteers to keep them coming back. Learn more about Rewards & Recognition.
Volunteerism is not just a “nice to have”—it’s a force multiplier for public services, especially in regional and under-resourced areas.
But to unlock its full potential, governments must treat volunteering as a strategic function: data-informed, community-driven, and future-focused.
By following this guide, your department or agency can build a volunteer program that not only works—but lasts.
About Rosterfy
Rosterfy is the leading volunteer management software provider, dedicated to helping organisations streamline their volunteer programs and maximise engagement. Trusted by non-profits, hospitals, healthcare charities, sports organisations, and major events worldwide, Rosterfy offers powerful solutions for managing volunteers efficiently.
Trusted by leading organisations like Brisbane City Council, South Australian Government, City of Parramatta, Auckland Council, Cancer Council, and the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Rosterfy helps scale volunteer programs with confidence.
To find out more, speak to a volunteer management systems specialist.