National Volunteer Week 2023 – The Change Makers

National Volunteer Week 2023 (NVW2023) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers.

From Monday 15 to Sunday 21 May 2023, the Australian Sports Commission will celebrate, thank and recognise the significant contribution the almost 3 million sport volunteers make across Australia.

The theme for NVW2023 is The Change Makers, representing a celebration of our power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian community.

The ASC will be showcasing the incredible people who volunteer in sport and the vital roles they play in delivering sport programs across Australia.

We are asking all Australians (through the promotional tagline) to give: “3 cheers for volunteers!”

The sport of Tenpin Bowling in Australia is largely run by volunteers and without them, the sport would not exist.

“We thank all the amazing volunteers who give up their time and energy to play a crucial role in running our sport,” said TBA CEO Rohan O’Neill. “Volunteers are the backbone of Tenpin Bowling, freely contributing their time and knowledge for the benefit of their sport as well as the participants, their families, and the local community”.

Volunteering in Tenpin Bowling covers several roles including coaching, managing, lane marshaling, and tournament directing are all examples of volunteering that occur year in and year out in Australia.

At its heart, volunteering is about helping people and we are fortunate to have so many willing to support the sport in Australia.

Launched in 2021, the TBA Volunteer support program aims to acknowledge and reward those in the bowling community who provide volunteer expertise and commitment to the sport. A total of 79 coaches received free sports registration in the first-year launch in 2022 and 72 met the criteria to be eligible this year. Some of these volunteers would have also received free renewal costs for their qualifications.

Volunteering in sport has many benefits, it can create a sense of belonging, connect communities, can improve physical and mental health, all whilst enjoying the fun of sport.

So why not put your hand up and become a change maker? Ask at your local centre how you can volunteer your time to help the sport. It could be running a Bowl Patrol program, it could be being a League secretary, the possibilities are endless.

We are always happy to hear from people willing to commit to volunteering. Please fill out the form at this link if you would like TBA to try find opportunities to volunteer or for your details to be on record for when TBA requires volunteers for an activity.

Click here to register your interest in volunteering

The upcoming Disability National Championships will be held at ZONE BOWLING Noarlunga in South Australia from the 7-17th June and are in need of lane marshals and other roles to fill for the event. If you are interested in lending a hand, please email [email protected]

Lastly, if you know of a volunteer that has helped you in the sport, use this week to reach out to thank them for – getting involved, everything they do and for making a difference.