Volunteering is the heart of our communities—it’s where real change begins. It’s about stepping up, giving back, and being part of something bigger. For me, volunteering isn’t just something I do; it’s a way of life. It keeps me grounded, improves my mental health, and connects me to the people and places that make WA special.
But volunteering in WA is under pressure. Every year, volunteers give nearly 400 million hours of their time, worth an incredible $63.9 billion to our economy. Despite this, they face unnecessary barriers—too much paperwork, underfunding, and red tape make it harder to do their work.
That’s why I believe we need people to stand up for change—because it starts with us, but it doesn’t end there. Volunteers deserve recognition, respect, and the resources they need to succeed.
As a volunteer myself, I know how frustrating it can be to deal with unnecessary policies and rules that slow things down. I’m committed to making things easier for volunteers by focusing on:
- Cutting Red Tape: Reducing the paperwork and liability risks that discourage people from volunteering.
- Reliable Funding: Volunteer organisations and Resource Centres can’t run on goodwill alone—they need consistent funding for training and resources.
- Stronger Support: Ensuring volunteers have the tools, protections, and confidence to do their work safely and effectively.
When we support volunteers, the whole state benefits. These are the people who coach our kids’ sports teams, care for the vulnerable, fight fires, and organise community events. They make WA stronger, but they can’t do it alone.
I believe in the power of people over politics. Real change starts with listening to the community, acting on their needs, and removing the barriers that stop people from helping one another. We must nurture and empower—not hinder—these efforts. Supporting volunteers doesn’t just help individuals—it builds stronger, more connected communities.
This is for everyone who gives their time to make a difference—the young person looking to help, the parent coaching their child’s team, and the retiree lending a hand. I see you, I value you, and I’ll fight for you.
Together, we can ensure volunteering isn’t just appreciated but actively supported.
It starts with us. If you’re ready to back a WA where volunteers have what they need to succeed, join me. Let’s prove that when we come together, we can create real, lasting change.
