Morethan 100,000 more volunteers are needed for Australian support to be successful, sporting officials say.
Australian Sports Commission (ASC) CEO Kieren Perkins OAM is urging for even more Australians to participate.
“We are entering an unparalleled era in Australian sport with close to 30 major events already confirmed over the next decade including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Perkins said.
In order to make the major events lined up a success in the coming years, Australian sport will have to grow its pool of volunteers by 130,000.
Experts say that without volunteers, many sports will cease to operate.
ASC has estimated that around 2.9 million Australians donate their time in sport and physical activity each year, while Volunteering Australia suggests these people are most likely aged 40-54.
NRL Kangaroos coach and Gold Coast Titans head of performance Mal Meninga says that volunteers are crucial for all sporting events.
“We all know how important sport volunteers are for our community so please get involved”, Ms Meninga says.
Following a difficult two years for community sport as a result of the pandemic, the ASC established the Sport Volunteer Coalition this year.
The coalition is composed of a diverse array of people who will contribute unique insights from their own background in sports and volunteering.
“Our aim for the coalition is to understand what motivates our volunteers, whatever their background, support their passion for volunteering and create fun opportunities for everyone to volunteer in sport in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment,” founder of Multicultural Women in Sport Molina Asthana says.