Overview

In 2023, all volunteering peak bodies commissioned a report to identify barriers to volunteering and how to improve access and inclusion for First Nations peoples, people with disability, and newly arrived migrants. We have created a snapshot series to share the key findings, so volunteer-involving organisations feel equipped to engage volunteers from each group.

Barriers to Volunteering for People with Disability

The umbrella term “people with disability” includes individuals with mobility, vision, hearing, intellectual, psychosocial, and neurodiverse conditions. This is a highly diverse group with varying needs and capabilities. Where possible specific characteristics of disability will be identified to provide further information about types of barriers to volunteering experienced by people with disability. 

Barriers to Volunteering - People with Disability Snapshot

Barriers to Volunteering for First Nations Peoples

First Nations peoples is a collective term that encompasses all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the original inhabitants of Australia. They have the oldest continuing culture in the world, rich with diverse ways of living, traditions, and histories. Their experiences, and those of their ancestors, live within them and reflect their outlook on life.  First Nations peoples place a high value on community, kinship, and cultural practices.

Barriers to Volunteering - First Nations Peoples Snapshot

Barriers to Volunteering for Newly Arrived Migrants

Newly arrived migrants are defined as those who have lived in Australia for less than 5 years, arriving through various visa pathways. They join an increasing cohort of Australians born overseas, which now comprises 

almost 30% of the Australian population.

Barriers to Volunteering - Newly Arrived Migrants Snapshot

Acknowledgement

This resource has been developed under the National Volunteer Management Activity project.