“I don’t think there has ever been a period of time in our country where this idea of connecting, listening, understanding and inclusion has been so important.”

$72 billion. That’s what volunteers contribute to Queensland’s economy each year, just $2 billion short of the entire tourism sector.

But here’s the catch: on the Gold Coast, regular volunteer numbers have plunged 20% in four years, from 60,000 to 48,000. Brad Cooper is on the frontline. His team recruits volunteers for around 100 local not-for-profits and delivers 62,000 community transport trips every year.

In this episode:

• What really motivates people to give their time
• How to build a thriving culture of giving
• Volunteering as a pathway to paid work
• The rise of corporate volunteering
• The surprising range of roles on offer

Volunteering delivers far more than dollars. Brad makes a powerful case for more flexibility, stronger support for the sector, and a renewed focus on connection and belonging, so our communities can thrive.

Brad Cooper is the CEO of Volunteering Gold Coast. He's an avid campaigner for the value of volunteering, in particular place-based solutions that match capabilities with local needs. Volunteering is a powerful pathway for people to move between the development of skills, gaining confidence to be in workplaces, and a pathway towards employment.