Volunteering is a vital part of Australian society contributing enormously both economically and socially. However, those in the 18–24 age group have some of the lowest rates of volunteering in Victoria, indicating that they are an underutilised group in the volunteering space. In line with Volunteer West’s mission to increase effective volunteering in the West a study was conducted to gain a deeper understanding about opportunities to engage young people in volunteering. 

A survey has been conducted in 2020 among 241 young people aged 18-24 residing in the local government areas of Brimbank, Hobson’s Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, and Wyndham. Findings show that many of them have been involved in either formal or informal volunteering and are motivated to volunteer given the right opportunity.

Barriers to volunteering have been identified, including work, family commitments, and a lack of flexible options. It is therefore important to widely disseminate volunteering opportunities to young people, offer flexible hours and online options, and provide clear and transparent information about what the volunteering roles involve.

Overall, young people in Melbourne’s West hold a positive view of volunteering, which suggests a very promising and hopeful future for youth volunteering in the region.

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