2025 State of Volunteering Report (SOVR) - South Australia
Commissioned by Volunteering SA&NT and supported by the Department of Human Services, the State of Volunteering Report Series delivers a comprehensive snapshot of volunteering across South Australia, strengthening understanding of the sector and its social and economic value. The research draws on two major surveys: a representative study of 1,032 South Australians and a parallel survey of 283 volunteer managers, providing one of the most detailed insights into volunteering in the state to date.
The findings reveal that more than one million South Australians volunteer each year, contributing almost 295 million hours and generating an estimated $45 billion in social and economic value. The research explores who volunteers, why they volunteer, the challenges they face, and the critical role volunteering plays in building stronger, more connected communities.
This collection includes the full 2025 State of Volunteering Report, a Summary and Key Findings Report, and a dedicated report exploring Youth Volunteering in South Australia. Together, these resources provide valuable evidence and insights for volunteers, volunteer managers, community organisations, policymakers, researchers and anyone interested in the future of volunteering.
Download the reports below to explore the findings and help shape a stronger future for volunteering in South Australia.
2025 State of Volunteering Report
A comprehensive analysis of volunteering, participating, volunteer managements, motivations, barriers, inclusion, and the social and economic value of volunteering in South Australia.
2025 Summary and Key Findings
A concise overview of the report’s key statistics, findings and emerging trends.
Youth Volunteering in South Australia
A focused exploration of youth volunteering, examining what motivates young people to volunteer and how organisations can better engage, support and retain the next generation of volunteers.
2023 State of Volunteering Report
Volunteering SA&NT, supported by the Department of Human Services, is proud to deliver the first-ever State of Volunteering Report for South Australia. This report aims to capture the impact, value, diversity, and contributions of volunteers across the state.
Volunteering SA&NT has commissioned a separate report that captures the impact, value, diversity, and contributions of volunteers – from the volunteer manager perspective – across the Northern Territory.
The reports celebrate and share the volunteering efforts of both SA and the NT and will align with the State of Volunteering Reports undertaken by volunteering peaks in each state and territory.
The reports have been prepared by Volunteering SA&NT and the Institute of Project Management.
Northern Territory State of Volunteering Report
The NT State of Volunteering Report delivers important insights into the needs, challenges, and costs associated with volunteer management in the Territory. It marks a foundational step toward a more detailed examination of volunteer management, volunteering behaviours, and the social and economic value of volunteering throughout the region.
This report establishes an evidence base to better understand the benefits, motivations, and obstacles of volunteering, setting the stage for more comprehensive future studies on volunteer management and engagement in the Northern Territory.
State and Territory-wide surveys (June - July 2023)
South Australia and the Northern Territory’s reports are founded on extensive research and consultations of the volunteering ecosystem, including in-depth surveys of volunteers and volunteer managers across SA and volunteer managers across the NT.
The Volunteer Managers Surveys heard from those who manage and lead volunteers across SA and the NT (whether in a paid or unpaid role). Their experiences, perspectives, and valuable insights, will inform the development of each report, and help us shape the future of volunteer-involvement in SA and the NT
A state-wide survey of volunteers was conducted in South Australia, to capture the diverse range of volunteer experiences in the state
Volunteering in aged care focus groups (August - December 2023)
South Australia’s report includes an analysis of volunteering in aged care. As the aged care sector in SA grows and evolves, the role of volunteers is having to adapt alongside it. Through a series of focus groups held with various representatives from the aged care sector, we developed and overview of volunteering in aged care, how volunteer engagement has changed over time, and look toward the future of volunteering in aged care services.