VSA&NT 2025 SA State Volunteering Conference - 'Connecting Communities'

The SA State Volunteering Conference is the must-attend event for South Australia’s volunteering sector, bringing together not-for-profit leaders, volunteer managers, government representatives, corporate partners and volunteers. This year’s theme, 'Connecting Communities' focuses on strengthening the connections that make volunteering impactful, inclusive and sustainable. 

Why attend? 

• Gain insights from expert speakers and sector leaders. 
• Explore practical strategies to enhance volunteering. 
• Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network. 
• Participate in interactive breakout sessions tailored to key sector challenges. 
  
  

Featured speakers: 

• Nat Cook MP – Minister for Human Services
• Mark Pearce – CEO, Volunteering Australia
• Shyla Mills – CEO, Palliative Care SA
• Dr Leonie Lockstone-Binney - Deputy Director of the Griffith Institute for Tourism

More speakers are to be announced soon! 

What’s on the program? 

Keynote presentations & breakout sessions covering: 

1. Building a Rural Volunteering Roadmap
The Australian Research Council (ARC) is leading a multi-year study on the structural, geographic, organisational and personal factors that shape rural volunteering. In this session, Professor Leonie Lockstone-Binney will share key insights on how we can build a stronger, more sustainable future for rural volunteering in South Australia. 

2. The Volunteer Strategy for SA: Driving change together 
The Volunteer Strategy for SA is designed to shape the future of volunteering in our state. This session will unveil the Draft Action Plan, outlining key focus areas and ways individuals and organisations can get involved. Learn how you can play a role in shaping this important strategy and ensuring it meets the needs of the community. 

3. The National Volunteering Strategy in Action
With the National Volunteering Strategy 2024-2033 now in its implementation phase, this session led by Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia, will explore how organisations in SA are putting the strategy into practice. Learn about real-world examples of how this strategy is transforming the volunteering landscape and how you can align your work with national priorities. 

4. Engaging young people in volunteering 
How do we inspire and engage young people to get involved in volunteering? The SVA Service Award program has been highly successful in SA, connecting students with volunteering opportunities that benefit their communities and future careers. Hear directly from young participants about their experiences, the impact of the program, and how organisations can create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of volunteers. 

And much more. More topics will be announced soon – stay tuned! 

Please note the conference program is still under development and speakers and topics may be subject to change. Official program to be announced.

Photographs will be taken during the event. By attending, you consent to the use of any photographs taken, which may be used for promotional, marketing, or informational purposes by Volunteering SA&NT and/or third parties. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the event organiser or the photographer during the event.