The Neighbourhood Centre Volunteers Expo, held at Bathurst RSL on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, has been hailed a major success, drawing more than 250 attendees and bringing together over 30 local organisations in a strong show of community engagement during National Volunteer Week.
Hosted by the Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre, the Expo provided a vibrant, face-to-face platform for residents to connect with volunteer-involving organisations and explore the many ways they can contribute to their local community.
Running from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, the event created a welcoming and accessible environment focused on conversation, discovery and connection, removing common barriers to volunteering and encouraging participation at all levels.
The Role of the Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre
The Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre plays a central role in supporting the local community, providing:
- Assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship
- Pathways to essential services and referrals
- Opportunities to build skills, confidence and social connections
- A safe and inclusive environment for community engagement
Volunteers are fundamental to delivering these outcomes, making initiatives like the Expo critical to sustaining these services.
Strong Support from Community Leaders
The Expo was attended by key community and government representatives, with Andrew Gee MP, Paul Toole MP, and Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor all addressing attendees and recognising the critical role volunteers play in sustaining strong, connected communities.
Speakers highlighted the importance of:
- Supporting volunteer-driven organisations
- Encouraging new and diverse participation
- Ensuring flexible pathways into volunteering
- Recognising volunteers as the backbone of regional communities
A Timely Initiative During National Volunteer Week
The Expo formed part of National Volunteer Week 2026 (18–24 May), held under the theme “Your Year to Volunteer”, a national call to action encouraging Australians to get involved in ways that suit their lives.
This year’s theme reinforces the importance of:
- Recognising the contribution of existing volunteers
- Encouraging new participation
- Supporting flexible pathways into volunteering
The timing of the Expo provided an ideal opportunity to convert awareness into action at a local level.
A Diverse Showcase of Local Organisations
More than 30 organisations participated in the Expo, representing a broad cross-section of the Bathurst and Central West community and highlighting the depth and diversity of local volunteering opportunities.
- Hosted by | The Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre
- Organised by | Thomas McWilliam
List of Exhibitors:
| HammondCare | Ronald McDonald House Central West |
| Headspace Bathurst | Bathurst Meals on Wheels |
| St John Ambulance Bathurst | Bathurst Council Cultural and Community Services |
| Bathurst District Historical Society | Bathurst VIEW Club |
| Lifeline Central West | Lions Club of Bathurst |
| Bathurst Community Transport | Can Assist |
| VRA Rescue N.S.W | Bathurst Seymour Centre |
| St Vincent De Paul | Miss Traill’s House & Garden – National Trust |
| LiveBetter | Hopecare |
| 2MCE-FM | Friends of Bathurst Hospital |
| Australian Red Cross – Emergency Services | Lions Club of Mount Panorama Inc |
| Quota Bathurst Inc | Services Australia |
| Bathurst Seniors Citizens Assoc. Inc. | Central Tablelands Local Landcare |
| RFS Chifley Operation Support Brigade | Hospital Auxiliary |
| Country Women’s Association (CWA) NSW – Bathurst Branch | CPSA Bathurst Branch |
These organisations span a wide range of sectors, including health and wellbeing, emergency services, aged care, youth support, community services, environment, heritage, and local advocacy.
The strong representation demonstrated the many ways volunteers contribute to community life, from frontline emergency response and crisis support to social connection, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and practical assistance for vulnerable individuals and families.
This diversity reinforces the message that there is a volunteering opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, experience, or availability.
Quotes
“The expo is really about making volunteering feel easy and accessible. People can come along, have a chat, meet local organisations and just get a feel for what’s out there. There’s no pressure to sign up; it’s more about exploring options and realising there’s something for everyone. I think what surprises people most is how flexible volunteering can be and how many different ways there are to get involved in our community.” – Jean Fell, Manager (The Neighbourhood Centre)
“I’d say to anyone who’s been thinking about volunteering but hasn’t quite taken the leap, just come along and have a look. You don’t need to have it all figured out, the expo is about starting a conversation and realising that whatever time or energy you can offer is valuable” – Jean Fell, Manager (The Neighbourhood Centre)
Strengthening Community Resilience
Volunteering continues to play a critical role in building resilient and connected communities. Across New South Wales:
- Millions of people volunteer each year
- Volunteers contribute billions of hours annually
- The economic value of volunteering is estimated in the tens of billions of dollars
- Every dollar invested in volunteering returns significant social and economic value
In regional areas like Bathurst, volunteering is particularly vital, underpinning essential services and strengthening social cohesion.
Connecting People with Purpose
The Expo created valuable “first conversations” between community members and organisations, an essential step in encouraging long-term volunteer involvement.
Participating organisations represented a wide cross-section of the community, including:
- Local clubs and not-for-profits
- Health and well-being services
- Emergency services and response groups
- Community support organisations
- Cultural and heritage groups
