Western Australia will join worldwide celebrations today to celebrate International Volunteer Day.
The day, celebrated annually around the globe, aims to raise awareness of the important role volunteers play.
Eighty per cent of West Australians aged 15 or older, volunteer each year.
Thank a Volunteer Day events, including lunches, barbecues, movies and other social gatherings, will be held all around the state as part of the celebrations.
The events enable communities to express their gratitude to volunteers who donate their time and effort to improve the lives of others.
The state government provided small grants to 35 community organisations and local governments to the value of $33,000 to enable them to host Thank a Volunteer Day events to recognise and celebrate local volunteers.
Last month, the City of Mandurah recognised the efforts of the most dedicated local emergency services volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening.
While nobody volunteers for the recognition or the plaudits, a simple 'thank you' from the community is so important.
- Volunteering Minister Mick Murray
Volunteering Minister Mick Murray said it was important to recognise volunteers for their "dedication to improving the lives of others in their communities".
"Without our volunteers, many organisations would not exist, weekend sport would not happen, community fundraising would be impossible and many vital social services would fall short," he said.
"While nobody volunteers for the recognition or the plaudits, a simple 'thank you' from the community is so important.
"Put simply, Western Australia would not be the place it is without our volunteers and the state government thanks all West Australians who donate their time to improve the lives of others."
