Is the death of long term volunteering real?

by Nicki Bardwell, CEO, Fair Game Australia

We recently wrapped up another intensive training weekend with our latest cohort of volunteer Fair Gamers, who are now ready to hit the regions for their weeklong trips!

In a world of "micro-volunteering" and competing priorities, asking someone for a full weekend of training plus a week of regional service feels like a big ask. Some might even call it ‘outdated.’

But here’s why I believe high-investment volunteering is actually the antidote to the current engagement crisis.

The WA Landscape: By the Numbers

The latest State of Volunteering in Western Australia report (2024) gave us a reality check:

·       The Economic Powerhouse: 1.5 million West Aussies contribute a staggering $63.9 billion in value to our state annually.

·       The Trend: There is a clear shift toward "episodic" and micro-roles, with 29.8% of WA -volunteer managers reporting a rise in microvolunteering.

·       The Barrier: It now costs the average WA resident $13.75 per hour to volunteer (up 120% since 2015).

Why We Still Go "All In"

If people are time poor and struggling with cost of living pressures, why do we ask for a whole week in the regions?

Besides it being necessary for our operations, we believe connection is the currency of retention. While micro volunteering is a fantastic entryway into the sector, intensive experiences, like our training camp and regional trips, build something a 30 minute task cannot: social capital by way of future change makers

3 Lessons from our Training Weekend:

1.     Training = Respect: The report shows that 69.7% of WA volunteer managers use training as a key retention tool. When we invest in our volunteers' skills, we tell them their contribution is too important to be left to chance.

2.     Regional WA: Regional WA is the backbone of our state, yet it faces unique isolation challenges. While micro volunteering is a great experience it can’t replicate authentic time spent in the regions. Spending a full week in the field transforms a volunteer's perspective. You don't just see a project; you see the faces, the families, and the future of the towns we serve. That’s an empathy bridge no algorithm can build.

3.     Belonging over "Doing":  The State of Volunteering report tells a surprising story: while 67.8% of us want to "help others," a significant 33.8% are searching for social connection. You don’t get that from a bite -sized volunteering task. True belonging happens in the quiet moments after a long day of service—connecting deeply with the regional community members we’re there to support, and forging lifelong bonds with a team of like-minded volunteers who "just get it."

 The Future is "Both/And"

We shouldn't fight micro volunteering; we should use it as a gateway. But let’s not lose the ‘deep work’ of the volunteering world.

To our latest cohort of Fair Gamers: Thank you for bringing energy and enthusiasm this weekend. Thank you for committing to supporting our work. Thank you for being part of our team. Thank you for leaning into the "big ask." You aren't just giving time; you’re building the social fabric of Western Australia.

Supporting pathways to employment in Kununurra

Collaborating in meaningful partnerships to empower communities, is a core strategic objective of Fair Game, so we’ve been delighted with the successful collaboration our Kununurra Game On! Hub has formed with the Wunan Foundation’s Talent Pool Academy. 

 The Academy works to strengthen youth workforce pathways, preparing young people to transition smoothly into employment in the East Kimberley.  Finding work experience opportunities that develop workplace skills and build confidence is a key element of this, which is where Fair Game’s Kununurra Hub comes in. The Hub’s free weekly Game On! after school program runs inclusive active games, providing a positive diversion in a safe space for vulnerable children while promoting fitness and fostering social inclusion. The sessions are run by young project officers and volunteers, who all participate in the games rather than directing from the sidelines, facilitating mentoring and encouragement.

Starting in Term 3 last year, two or three young people (aged 15-17 years) from the Academy came along to our Hub’s Game On! afterschool program at the PCYC each Monday to assist the team.  The students provided support in many ways, including setting up equipment and packing down after the games. They actively participate in the Game On! activities, encouraging other kids to get involved, as well as helping with running some of the activities. They also sometimes help prepare and cook dinner and clean up after.

Talent Pool Program Manager, Pida Bule-Turner, is enthusiastic about the collaboration - “Fair Game have been a great partner for Wunan.  They are incredibly reliable running their program every Monday of the school-term, so their sessions provide a great opportunity for our young people to gain experience of organising activities and engaging the kids.  We hope to continue this relationship and are encouraging our young people to take up the opportunity to become a Trainee Project Officer for the Fair Game program when they have finished the Academy. We are excited by the potential of this partnership.”

Fair Game Project Officer, Molly, has been very impressed with the Academy students’ contribution, commenting that they bring fantastic positive energy and are always willing to lend a hand, which has been hugely appreciated.

This truly is a win win situation, with Academy students having an opportunity to develop leadership skills and their regular involvement building a strong social sense of belonging.  At the same time, the positive impact of having closely relatable role models demonstrating future pathways to employment, is incredibly valuable for the young children attending the sessions.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration through 2026.

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