Volunteering in Tasmania is built on something powerful: people who want to help others, connect with their community and make a real difference. And behind every volunteer is someone like you — leaders and supporters who make volunteering possible every day.
Your work is the backbone of the volunteering ecosystem. It’s a strength we want to recognise and build on.
We also know that things are changing. Volunteers are looking for more flexible ways to get involved. The cost of living affects people’s ability to participate. Time is limited, and burnout is something many of us have seen up close. But Tasmania’s volunteering industry is also full of creativity and people willing to try new approaches.
At the same time, the gap between demand and supply is growing. Based on current modelling, Tasmania is projected to face a 42.5% shortfall in volunteers by 2029 — a challenge that highlights the urgency of working together to strengthen what already works and create new opportunities for people to get involved.
That’s what the Future of Volunteering Symposium is all about: taking the strengths we already have and working together to shape what’s next.
The Symposium (held in Riverside, Launceston) will bring together people from volunteer involving organisations from around the state to share ideas, spark conversations and explore what’s possible. It will be a practical, positive space where we look at what’s working, discuss new and emerging approaches, and build connections that support ongoing learning and innovation.
By the end of the Symposium, you’ll leave with:
- New ideas and confidence to try approaches that match how people want to volunteer today
- Practical ways to strengthen recruitment, training, management and retention in your organisation
- Stronger networks and relationships across the industry
- More shared understanding of the barriers volunteering faces
- Greater ability to advocate for volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations
- A sense of momentum and possibility for the future of volunteering
We’ll end the day with a networking opportunity—because when people doing this work come together, support grows, ideas build, and things change.
Tasmania’s volunteering industry is full of strengths, passion and potential.
By working together, we can build a future where volunteering is easier, more enjoyable and supported in the way it deserves to be.
The future of volunteering starts here.
Register now
Register now for the Future of Volunteering Symposium 2026. All those wishing to attend the Symposium need to complete an online registration form.
The Symposium will be held at the Tailrace Centre, Riverside (Launceston), and will start at 9:30am and finish at 4:15pm, with an optional networking opportunity following this. !
Group Registration
| Registration Type | Standard | From 1 May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| VT Member | $85 | $105 |
| Non Member | $105 | $125 |
Group registrations can be processed together and invoiced on a single invoice. Simply download and complete the group registration template available HERE and email to naomi@eventsphere.com.au
NOTE: On completion of the registration form, you will have the choice to pay now via credit card, or receive an invoice to pay via EFT transfer (balance due in 14 days).
The below registration fees are in AUD and include GST.
Please note: CHSP and HACC service providers are eligible for Member rates.
Not a VT member? Sign up HERE
Registration Inclusions
All full registrations include entry to Symposium sessions, day catering, delegate pack, name badge, as well as the Networking Function.
2026 Symposium Program - Thursday 14 May 2026
Keynote speakers
Nairn Walker
Nairn has now worked across Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK with over one hundred thousand professionals to
- identify potential,
- highlight capacity and
- increase outcomes for individuals, organisations, schools and communities.
Dr Lila Landowski
Dr Lila Landowski is a multi-award winning neuroscientist and senior lecturer at the university of Tasmania, Vice President of Science and Technology Australia, a keynote speaker, as well as a regular guest expert science communicator for the ABC.
Paul Muller
Paul Muller is the principal of QQ Research and author of the State of Volunteering Report series, first issued in 2014. With over 50 reports published in Australia and New Zealand, his work focuses on the economic and social value of public goods, including volunteering, sport and the creative industries.
Symposium Facilitator
Rick Fontyn
Rick Fontyn is one of Tasmania’s leading corporate and sporting emcees and facilitators and has worked around the country hosting major awards, business and sporting events, including AFL Finals, tennis tournaments and many corporate functions.
With career highlights such as working on court with tennis legend, Rafael Nadal, and ground announcing at the MCG, Rick brings fun, passion and a unique insight into sports and leisure.
Rick has also been heavily involved supporting organisations such as Fight MND, Launceston Benevolent Society & Clifford Craig Foundation.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities for the Future of Volunteering Symposium 2026 are NOW AVAILABLE!
Volunteering in Tasmania is built on something powerful: people who want to help others, connect with their community and make a real difference. And behind every volunteer is someone like you — leaders and supporters who make volunteering possible every day.
The Future of Volunteering Symposium will be set on the Tamar River at the Tailrace Centre Riverside, Launceston on 14 May 2026, and will bring together approximately 120 people including Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs), volunteer managers and coordinators, researchers, community thought leaders, and those involved in volunteering from around the state. It will be a practical, positive space where we look at what’s working, discuss new and emerging approaches, and build connections that support ongoing learning and innovation.
Sponsorship provides your organisation with the perfect opportunity to support volunteering in Tasmania. It provides a platform for you to showcase your brand and services to a qualified audience. Sponsorship demonstrates a level of commitment and support that will be openly displayed and widely acknowledged throughout the Symposium.
The future of volunteering starts here, and we’d love you to be part of it!
Download the Sponsorship Prospectus HERE for all packages and details
For all sponsorship enquiries and further information please contact:
EventSphere
Naomi Will
e: naomi@eventsphere.com.au
p: 0439 336 511