The Gold Coast is grappling with declining volunteer numbers, raising concerns about the city’s capacity to host major events, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A recent city report revealed that only 11 per cent of Gold Coast residents currently participate in volunteering, a figure described as “just below the average” with “a bit of room for improvement”, according to Lifestyle Committee Chair Glenn Tozer.
This shortfall poses a significant challenge, as major events rely heavily on volunteer support.
“Volunteers are the backbone for so many events, without them so many events wouldn’t be able to be delivered,” Avril Harris from Experience Gold Coast said.
The success of events such as Supercars, marathons, and festivals hinges on the dedication of volunteers, she said.
The upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will require a substantial volunteer workforce, comparable to the 45,000 volunteers involved in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“I think its a great thing to do, that’s actually how I started, volunteering, when my kids went through the Eisteddford. It just gives you such joy,” Nicci Wilson from the Gold Coast Eisteddford said.
In response to the declining numbers, efforts are underway to encourage greater community involvement.
Tozer said he hopes that “people can kind of dip their toe in the water over the next couple of years” to lift volunteer rates before 2032.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
