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As volunteer numbers plummet, the big question is —are we too busy to care?

As volunteer numbers plummet, the big question is —are we too busy to care?

From the Dragon Boat Regatta in Broome to the Orange Mardi Gras festival on the other side of the country, community events are being cancelled and emergency services are struggling to cope as the number of volunteers plummets.

The trend has triggered soul-searching among community groups and charities — is it a temporary blip linked to the COVID pandemic, or have Australians become more selfish?

“What we’ve seen is a longer-term decline in volunteering rates, and that’s been amplified by the COVID pandemic,” Volunteering Australia CEO Mark Pearce says.

Paramedics gather around a person on the ground in a park with an ambulance parked nearby
Emergency service crews are staffed mainly by volunteers in many parts of regional Australia.(Supplied)

“There are also changes in how people want to volunteer and participate — there’s increasing demand for flexibility that doesn’t necessarily correlate with the structure of formal volunteering programs.”

The 2021 census data recorded a 19 per cent drop in volunteering since the last snapshot in 2016. The finding is backed up by more regular, in-depth social surveys done by the ABS.

A graph showing a reduction in numbers of a decade period
The number of Australians volunteering has reduced significantly in recent years.

The biggest decline has been recorded in the 15-24 year old age group, the same age group posting an increasing number of controversial ‘good deed’ stunts on social media. 

The depletion of the volunteer brigade is affecting sports clubs, emergency services and long-established organisations like Rotary and Lions, that help run events and raise funds for local charities.

Country towns suffering

The impact is most noticeable in regional areas, where event organisers and first-responders are more likely to be unpaid.

As a result, some events are being cancelled, such as the annual Dragon Boat Regatta in Broome. 

A wide shot of stalls, people and dragon boats lined up along turquoise waters of a bay.
The Dragon Boat Regatta sees dozens of teams race in Broome’s Roebuck Bay.(Supplied: Abby Murray Photography)

It has been a popular fixture in the town for almost 20 years, and raises tens of thousands of dollars for charity. But this year there weren’t enough people to organise or run it.

“The practical impact in regional and remote Australia is that social activities and the cohesion that takes place by community coming together is lost or significantly reduced,” Mr Pearce says.

“And that has implications for the livability of these communities in which people choose to spend their lives.”

The Dragon Boat Regatta is usually organised by the local Rotary chapter, which currently has only a handful of members.

It is hoping to find enough local people to help with the nine-month organising process to revive the regatta in 2023.

A group of drag queens blows kisses and laughs.
The Drags on Boats team debuted at the 2015 Dragon Boat Regatta, where most ended up in the water.(ABC News: Erin Parke)

Events struggling across the country

Meanwhile in Alice Springs, organisers are struggling to pull together enough volunteers to hold the beloved Henley-on-Todd Regatta, which raises money for local Rotary Club projects.

Every August, teams of people race on the dry Todd River in boats without bottoms in front of a crowd of about 4,000 people.

Secretary Ron Saint said getting the right number of volunteers had been “tenuous”.

“We would like to have 130 but we’ve got about a hundred. So we’re at that point where we’d like to have 12 people doing a certain role but we’ll have nine or eight,” he said.

Three men stand in a home-made cardboard boat ready to race down a dry riverbed.
Organisers are hoping more locals will get involved to ensure the future of the Henley-on-Todd river race.(ABC News: Alexandra Fisher)

“It’s not going to stop the event … but you’d want a few more [people] in case someone can’t make it.”

Mr Saint believed some people who might volunteer were now trying to make up for paid work lost during COVID lockdowns.

“People are time poor and as we try to get the economy kick started again it’s difficult to commit the discretionary time for volunteer work,” he said.

In March, a proposed inaugural Mardi Gras celebration in Orange, in central west New South Wales, was cancelled for the third year in a row when the small team of people organising the Rainbow City Festival event became “exhausted” from repeatedly having to postpone it. 

A scene from a mardi gras event.
The Rainbow City Festival will focus on providing more smaller-scale events in the future. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)

What’s causing the decline?

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that people aged 40 to 54 are most likely to volunteer.  

Women and men participate at a similar rate, with the greatest number of people volunteering with sporting clubs and religious groups.

People living in remote areas are most likely to volunteer, but the rates in regional and urban areas are almost identical. 

Social researcher Hugh Mackay has been monitoring Australian attitudes and lifestyle habits for six decades.

“This is a weird period we are in at the moment, that helps explain the decline of volunteering,” he says.

“We’ve been changing in ways that have made us more individualistic, much more concerned about ‘me and my rights and my entitlements and my identity’.

An elderly man leaning against a tree and smiling.
Ever the optimist, social researcher Hugh Mackay sees a silver lining in the COVID cloud.(Supplied)

“And that’s all working against our natural proclivities to be kind and compassionate and cooperative and help each other out.

“But it’s also worth noting that organisations that want volunteers have probably not been quite nimble enough, and not understanding all these societal shifts and the changing culture.”

Dr Mackay says the main change has been a withdrawal from community involvement.

This has been caused by an increase in the use of social media to stay “connected’; people living alone; and the trend for having fewer children, resulting in fewer opportunities to develop local friendships through schools and kids’ sporting clubs.

“We’ve also become too ‘busy’, and being ‘busy’ is a kind of hiding place, a barrier between us and others,” he says.

“It’s the enemy of social cohesion and the enemy of volunteering, because as long as we can convince ourselves we’re too busy to help other people, we can get away with it – we have made being busy a virtue.”

Are young people the problem?

Dr Mackay rejects the notion that young people are too selfish to volunteer, saying a more nuanced shift has occurred.

“Millennials have grown up with a deep sense of impermanence and have adopted a mantra of ‘let’s keep our options open’,” he says.

A large Chinese dragon performs for a crowd of people with palm trees in background
Every year dozens of volunteers are needed to be the ‘legs’ of Sammy the Dragon, as part of Broome’s Shinju Matsuri.(Supplied: Abby Murray Photography)

“Committing to anything long-term runs against the ethos of this generation, so they will be happy to help out, but reluctant to join up to anything that requires a weekly meeting or a long-term program.

“One of the favourite occupations of older people through history has been to bash younger people and complain about them.

“But it’s worth remembering that the rise of individualism is not a generational phenomenon, it’s happening right across the age ranges.”

All at sea as volunteers jump ship

Some organisations are adapting by asking people to help out with one-off events, or ramping up social media recruitment campaigns.

But sometimes the challenge is retaining the volunteer recruits who do sign up.

In the waters off Broome, it is a matter of life or death — every few weeks the volunteer Sea Rescue team is called out to save a sinking or stranded vessel.

A group of men in fluro shirts sit in a boat.
Volunteer skipper Gareth Owen briefs crew on a planned training exercise.(ABC News: Erin Parke)

Skipper Gareth Owen says cyclones, crocodiles and big tides make it a hazardous job.

 “It’s vital we’re able to crew the vessel, because the calls can come at any time,” he says.

“It’s always very close as to whether we have enough people.

“It’s a major problem, because we’re low on numbers and the commitment to training is quite high, so it can be  difficult to maintain people’s enthusiasm.”

Mr Owen, who originally signed up to learn marine skills with his young son, says he’s not surprised the latest census data shows a drop in volunteer numbers.

“I think we’ve seen over the past few years that some people have become a bit more self-centred and they don’t go out as much because of COVID,” he says.

“So I guess a lot of people have prioritised family, and that has put pressure on volunteers groups like us.”

Annie Stephenson has been volunteering with the group for two years, and coordinates recruitment.

A woman in a fluro short stands smiling in front of a boat.
Annie Stephenson says she benefited from volunteer organisations as a child, so is keen to contribute.(ABC News: Erin Parke )

Ms Stephenson says a recent advertising campaign attracted more than 20 people, but the numbers dropped away as they realised the commitment involved.

“It’s one thing to recruit people, but retaining them can be hard,” she says.

“Because there’s so much training involved, we’re looking for people who can commit for two years minimum, but people’s circumstances change, they’ll get a new job or have family commitments, which is totally understandable.

“The key thing for us is to have a big enough pool of qualified crew to share the load and fatigue management, and to make sure people don’t get burnt out.”

One of the new recruits is 18-year-old Byron Schaffer.

He says he doesn’t know many people his age who volunteer regularly.

Two men in fluro shirts on a boat at sunset
Byron Schaffer (left) is training as a Sea Rescue volunteer in Broome.(ABC News: Erin Parke)

“I think some teenagers see it as something that ‘adults’ do, people who are a bit more settled down,” he says.

“I really enjoy it, it’s something to do in your free time that makes you feel good.”

What does the future hold?

Volunteering Australia says there has been a small increase in participation rates this year, following the easing of COVID restrictions.

But they are still well short of the volunteer numbers of five years ago. 

Volunteer skipper Gareth Owen hopes recent natural disasters might prompt Australians to sign up and offer their time and expertise.

Volunteer Qld firefighter from the Rural Fire Brigade
Thousands of Australians volunteered during recent bushfires and floods.(Supplied: Queensland Department of Community Safety )

“With the floods and the firefighters you see so many awesome volunteers doing things, and I think people forget they are volunteers because they’re doing such an excellent job and they’re at it for so long,” he says.

“Sometimes people might think it’s part of the service we get for being Australian, and not realise we need to put our hand up and look out for each other by volunteering.”

Dr Mackay, now aged 83, remains optimistic.

“I think this rise of individualism marks a really weird, aberrant period in human history, and it’s not actually who we are,” he reflects.

“I think our true nature as communitarians, cooperators, and kind and compassionate people who look out for each other will re-emerge.”

“The pendulum is going to swing back, I am sure of it.”

Additional reporting Steven Schubert

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Ottawa’s transit services ready to roll for Canada Day events: City

Ottawa's transit services ready to roll for Canada Day events: City

This will be the first Canada Day hosting in-person events with the LRT in operation.

Canada Day festivities at Lebreton Flats will bring some new changes to OC Transpo, but they’re not likely to raise any concerns.

That’s what Pat Scrimgeour, director of transit customer systems and planning, said at the City’s transit commission on Wednesday, May 18.

This is the first Canada day boasting in-person events with the LRT in operation, Scrimgeour explained, since the system launched in the fall of 2019.

“So, it’s new for us in a number of ways and we’ve also have a number of new staff who haven’t worked it before — so it’s new, it’s different, but we’re not seeing any major obstacles,” Scrimgeour said.

The main pressure point for Canada Day is directly after the fireworks show, since a large number of people are trying to access transit all at once, he added.

Scrimgeour said the transit company is confident that train and bus capacity will be able to accommodate those coming or leaving Canada Day events.

The director is also encouraging Ottawa residents to use transit to access Canada Day festivities, reminding ridders that fares will be free on that day.

The transit agency is also confident that it has the train and bus capacity necessary to accommodate the expected crowds on July 1.

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Your Northwestern Ontario guide to event tent rental services

Your Northwestern Ontario guide to event tent rental services

With nearly 30 years of experience, Perfect Parties is northwestern Ontario’s number one trusted event rental company. 

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding or celebration, you may want to consider renting a tent to help enhance your special occasion.

Rick Saarinen, owner of Perfect Parties, a tent equipment rental service in Thunder Bay, explains how his company offers a great selection of tent and canopy rentals to fit your event needs. 

“We have the nicest tents,” Saarinen says, adding their experience in the community sets them apart from other similar businesses in the area. 

Saarinen bought the company seven years ago, but Perfect Parties has been serving Thunder Bay and its surrounding areas for close to 30 years. 

They specialize in various outdoor events including weddings, sporting events, graduations, trade shows, pow wows, festivals, exhibitions, grand openings and sporting and corporate events. 

Some of the events the company has provided tents for locally include the Thunder Bay Blues Festival, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition and various Pow wow festivals.

In addition to having an impressive selection of merchandise, Perfect Parties ensures each tent or canopy rental is professionally installed by their staff to ensure proper set-up. 

Even after each rental is set up, customers have access to a free 24-hour emergency phone service in case there are any issues while using a Perfect Parties tent, Saarinen says.

To complement each tent or canopy rental, Perfect Parties also offers a full line of accessories including window walls, screen walls, round or banquet tables, folding or garden chairs, dance floors, helium, accents, heaters, silk trees and vines.

The company also serves areas outside of Thunder Bay, like Nipigon or Terrace Bay. 

Aside from providing Thunder Bay and its surrounding area with professional tent and canopy services,  the company also loves to give back to the community, Saarinen says. 

“I sponsor kids for hockey and if it wasn’t for volunteers or companies that donate, a lot of kids wouldn’t be able to participate,” Saarinen says. 

“I like to give back to the kids,” he said, adding the company also sponsors kids into acting.

For more information or to get a quote, visit the official Perfect Parties website by going here. 

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Window of hope: 24-hour event returns to support addiction, mental health services

Window of hope: 24-hour event returns to support addiction, mental health services

The 24hr Window Raise-a-thon for Recovery returns to downtown support facility May 7

Next month’s second annual 24hr Window Raise-a-thon for Recovery returns to the street-side windows of the downtown Barrie centre it aims to help.

From May 7 at 8 a.m. to May 8 at 8 a.m., the windows at the 705 Recovery Community Centre, located at 56 Dunlop St. W., will feature four people fundraising to help support programs in the community assisting those struggling with, or recovering from addiction, mental health issues and more.

Last year’s inaugural event hoped to raise $16,000 — four months’ costs at the facilities  but more than doubled that with $35,000.

Organizer Todd Palmer, who took part in last year’s event, says he was very happy with the response.

“I think the unexpected thing was the businesses coming out and donating food and resources the day of,” Palmer told BarrieToday. “It was great to have many friends and family donate money and just everyday strangers looking to help the cause.”

The idea of the fundraiser is four people sit in their own window for 24 hours and people donate money to have them either do something or have something done to them.

“Last year, we were made to do quite a number of fun things. I took countless pies to the face as did the others. One thing I had to do was pick an egg out of three  where two were hard-boiled and one was not  and crush it on my head. I chose wrong and had egg all over my face,” Palmer said.

“One of the participants was a musician and was made to play songs all night. Lots of fun stuff,” he added. 

People can donate to also make the 24-hour stay comfortable for the participants by donating blankets, food, pillows, walks and bathroom breaks.

This year’s participants are musician Kat Chabot (involved as an ally to those dealing with addiction), Melissa Hart (sober since May 18, 2018), Jake Mathias (three years sober), and Geoff MacGillvary (10 years sober).

As someone who had been dealing with addiction, Palmer says he found the event to be a positive step for him.

“My recovery and sobriety at the time was pretty insulated. I was working the program that I had and those who were close to knew and were aware, but not many outside of that knew,” he said. “There is a certain level of vulnerability that sort of evolves into healing.

“You never know how something is going to affect you until you open up about it, and I think about a month after that I really started to get a real deep sense of healing and OK-ness with what I was going through,” Palmer added. 

While Palmer says addiction and mental health are nothing new, he acknowledges the crucial need for help now.

“Coming out of this social mental-health climate situation that we’re in, the centre is offering (help to) anyone in the community who is struggling or recovering from addiction and mental health issues,” he said. “It has been a great place for those needing help and at a time so many have needed it.”

To donate, go to the event page by clicking here and follow the instructions on how to participate. 

When asked if he would be looking to ensure this year’s foursome have as much to do as he and his partners did last year, Palmer made his intentions clear.

“Now, I’m a compassionate, supportive guy. On that note, yes, I am excited to participate as a member of the community as these folks sit in the windows,” he said. “I’m sure all the participants from last year feel the same and are anxious to help give to the cause.”

More information on the 24hr Window; Raise-a-thon for Recovery as well as a list of all meetings and events can be found at www.the705barrie.com.

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E-News | Dining Services and Collegiate Recovery to hold events for Eating Disorders Awareness Month

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 21-27, a yearly event dedicated to spreading the message of hope and building awareness around eating disorders. 

Throughout the month, WVU Dining Services and WVU Collegiate Recovery are partnering to offer help and support at the following events:

  • Love For All: Feb. 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the Juice Bar in Evansdale Crossing. Enjoy specialty themed juices, giveaways and the opportunity to chat with WVU Dietitian Sina King and WVU Collegiate Recovery representatives.

  • Self-Care Valentine’s Crafts: Feb. 10 from 5-7 p.m. at Serenity Place. Register at refresh.wvu.edu.

  • Collegiate Recovery Mantra Table: Feb. 21 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mountainlair, and Feb. 22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Rec Center. Write your own self affirmation to receive a gift bag.

  • Emotional Eating Workshop: Feb. 22 from 5-6 p.m. at Hatfields. Learn about what it means to be an emotional eater and identify the signs and triggers. Register at refresh.wvu.edu.

Additionally, WVU Collegiate Recovery hosts eating disorder recovery meetings every Monday and Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at Serenity Place. The meetings are open to any WVU student who is in recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating, has body image concerns, is questioning their relationship to food, body and weight, or just wants to learn more.

View college campus eating disorder statistics and resources for getting help and learn about risk factors.