Volunteering has been a huge part of Eric Wheatley's life.
The 82-year-old first began volunteering as a young adult at university, joining a student society, and he continued as a family man with the Parents and Friends Association.
Since then, his volunteering journey has taken him from fighting bushfires around his home town of Bridgetown to working as a volunteer tour guide on Rottnest Island.
"I've volunteered for years, it has kept me out of mischief," he told The Senior.
"I enjoy the camaraderie, it's a social thing. You are working with nice people, generally happy people."
Volunteers such as Eric will be celebrated throughout National Volunteer Week May 20-26.
The theme for the week is "Something for Everyone", an invitation to explore the myriad of opportunities available, from community outreach to environmental causes, just as Eric has done.
Since moving to Bridgetown over 30 years ago his roles have included involvement with Friends of the Forest, maintenance of walk tracks in Jarrah Park, treasurer of the Bridgetown Railway Management Group, member of the Blackwood Environment Society and secretary of the bridge club.
One of his biggest commitments, over 30 years, has been with the Volunteer Bushfire Brigade.
Over the same period every month, Eric has visited Rottnest Island for two days and conducted guided walks and tours of the island.
"I enjoy recounting the history and ecology of the island," he said.
"You have to keep up with modern research findings, there is quite an extensive course to be a guide."
Volunteering Minister Don Punch welcomed the release of a new report highlighting the significant value, contributions and growth of the volunteering sector in Western Australia.
The 2023 Western Australia State of Volunteering Report is an independent report led by Volunteering WA.
The report found 1.5 million Western Australians aged 15-and-over volunteered more than 398 million hours in 2023.
Mr Punch said the government was committed to supporting and strengthening the volunteer sector, with more than $6 million allocated to the Volunteer Development Service Program.
This included a recent $2.1 million boost for regional volunteering.
"Volunteers play a significant role in creating more connected communities for everyone to enjoy," Mr Punch said.
"I strongly encourage people to seek our volunteering opportunities, to not only give back to their communities but also to stay active and foster new social connections."
The WA Volunteer of the Year Awards will be announced on May 23 at The Westin, Perth.
Volunteering snapshot
Each year 742,000 (32.3 per cent) of Western Australians formally volunteer, while 975,000 (42.3 per cent) participate informally.
- In 2023 volunteers generated a value of $63.9 billion for the state, up from $39 billion in 2015.
- On average WA residents volunteer 22.6 hours per month, compared to an average of 19.9 hours in the rest of Australia.
- The replacement labour cost of volunteering is estimated at $16.5 billion.
- The top three volunteer motivations are to help others, for enjoyment and to be active.
Source: WA State of Volunteering Report 2023
