This information was released by Volunteering Australia.
1. Volunteers contribute $200 billion to the Australian economy annually.
2. Volunteering produces health benefits such a happiness, health and longevity.
3. The rate of volunteering by young people in Australia increased from 16% in 1995 to 27.1% in 2010.
4. The number of volunteers in Australia has doubled from 1995 (3.2 million) to 2010 (6.1 million).
5. The average number of hours contributed by each volunteer per year has decreased from 74 hours in 1995 to 56 hours in 2010.
6. Of the 600 000 not for profit organisations in Australia only 60 000 have paid staff.
7. 50% of volunteers are in employment.
8. 44% of volunteers are engaged in short term volunteering roles.
9. Volunteering is more common amongst those outside the capital cities, with a 38% participation rate for outside the capital cities vs. 32% in the cities.
10. 35% of volunteers who became involved in volunteering in the last 10yrs were asked by someone.