National Volunteer Week (NVW) marks an annual week of national celebration of volunteers within the community who freely give their time and skills to benefit others. This year’s events will commence on 15 May and conclude on 21 May.

The theme for this year’s NVW is ‘The Change Makers’. A Change Maker is described as “Someone who takes action to make the world a better place”. Change Makers are passionate about causes they care about, driven to contribute to the greater good, and they give their time and energy to make a difference. Through volunteering we are changing our communities for the better.

Neighbourhood Watch SA is supported by countless volunteers across metropolitan and regional areas of South Australia. National Volunteer Week provides the ideal opportunity for us to recognise our volunteers for their tireless work and commitment to keeping their communities safe and connected.

Programs like Neighbourhood Watch SA can only exist because of the enthusiastic volunteers who perform a broad range of roles, assisting SA Police in engaging with the community and providing support in the areas of crime prevention and community safety.

This year’s celebrations will see SA Police’s Volunteer Coordination Unit and many volunteers participating in the NVW parade on Monday, 15 May. During the week, the Commissioner’s Volunteer of the Year Award 2023 will be announced and presented by Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens.

SA Police has a long, proud history of utilising volunteers and currently enjoy the support of more than 1,000 registered volunteers across many different volunteer roles throughout the state such as Blue Light, chaplaincy, community policing, SA Police Historical Society, public relations, Road Safety Centre, role players, the SA Police Pipes and Drums Band and of course Neighbourhood Watch SA.

Neighbourhood Watch SA and SA Police are always encouraging new volunteers to join in and make a difference. If you are aware of any family or friends interested in exploring the volunteering opportunities available within Neighbourhood Watch SA or SA Police, please contact the Volunteer Coordination Unit by telephone 08 732 23217 or email SAPOL.Volunteer@police.sa.gov.au

Information and suggestions regarding community events can be located on the Volunteering Australia website.