South Australians are proving that generosity is one of the state’s greatest assets, with a new report revealing volunteers contributed a huge $45 billion in social and economic value last year.
Released by Volunteering SA&NT, the 2025 State of Volunteering report found that volunteer numbers have surpassed one million for the first time, with 63.7 per cent of South Australians giving their time over the past 12 months.
The report paints a picture of a state where volunteering remains deeply embedded in community life, from sporting clubs and local events to crisis response, transport assistance, aged care support and community services.
While volunteering is often associated with retirees, younger South Australians are now among the state’s most active contributors. The highest participation rate was recorded among 25 to 34-year-olds, with 74 per cent volunteering in some capacity, closely followed by 15 to 24-year-olds at 73 per cent.
Young volunteers are also contributing the most time, averaging more than 377 hours of volunteering each year.
According to the report, volunteers collectively contributed 294.8 million hours across South Australia in 2025. If volunteering were classified as an industry, it would be the state’s largest employer.
Volunteering now contributes approximately 2.8 per cent of South Australia’s Gross State Product, with every dollar invested generating around $4.70 in economic and social value.
The benefits extend far beyond financial measures. Around 40 per cent of the return on investment flows directly back to volunteers through improved wellbeing and personal development, while nearly 39 per cent creates civic value through stronger, more connected communities.
South Australia’s Minister for Human Services, Katrine Hildyard said, “Volunteering represents one of South Australia’s greatest acts of generosity, and it is also one of our greatest economic assets, with more than one million people giving their time, skills and care. Volunteers are the backbone of community life in South Australia, not because they have to be, but because they choose to be.
“These numbers are extraordinary: volunteering delivers billions of dollars in social and economic value to South Australia. And behind every dollar figure is a person supporting others – driving someone to an appointment, coaching a sports team, responding in a crisis, visiting someone who is lonely, or making sure a community event can happen.”
From coaching junior sports teams and helping community organisations to responding during emergencies and checking in on isolated residents, volunteers continue to play a vital role in keeping communities connected.
The report also found that volunteers personally shoulder much of the cost of giving their time. South Australians contributed an estimated $8.6 billion through out-of-pocket expenses and forgone earnings, highlighting the personal commitment behind the state’s volunteering culture.
CEO of Volunteering SA&NT, Hamilton Calder said, “We’re excited this will continue following the State Government’s commitment to expand the Student Volunteer Award program led by Volunteering SA&NT. Across our state, South Australians are embracing volunteering, and we are building something extremely valuable. The task now is to sustain it.
“The returns on volunteering remain remarkably strong but costs are rising. Particularly in the context of cost-of-living pressures, this highlights the importance of reimbursements and resourcing for organisations to support volunteers and preserve the extraordinary returns volunteering delivers.”
With cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households, the organisation says continued investment in volunteer support programs and reimbursements will be critical to sustaining the sector’s growth.
For now, the figures offer a powerful reminder that while South Australia’s economy is built on many industries, one of its most valuable resources remains the people who simply choose to help.
