Join us at 2026 Volunteering Expo!

2026 is the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. Our Volunteering Expo is part of this global momentum recognising volunteering as the driving force for sustainable development.

Our annual Volunteering Expo is the leading exhibition for volunteer involving organisations in the ACT and region, where exhibitors connect with Canberra’s enthusiastic volunteers and potential volunteers who are eager to make a difference.

Any organisation that utilises volunteers and seeks to attract more is invited to participate.

Showcase your organisation’s programs and find volunteer talent to help bring your vision to life!

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The 2026 Volunteering Expo will be on Friday, 20 March at the UC Refectory, Bruce from 1pm to 6pm.

The Expo welcomes all community organisations, not-for-profits, government agencies and social enterprises from all sectors including but not limited to sport, health, arts and culture, tourism and community services.

There will be amazing food and coffee, activities for children, music and a smoking ceremony, making this event suitable for families.

The Expo is a free event for attendees, open to all people and organisations interested in volunteering.

The Expo attracts people from diverse backgrounds and all ages and abilities. We encourage you to showcase volunteering opportunities that are accessible for everyone.

Exhibiting at the Volunteering Expo gives organisations an opportunity to:

Recruit new volunteers: Meet enthusiastic volunteers who are eager to contribute their skills and time to your organisation.  

Increase awareness: Showcase your mission, projects, and initiatives to a wide audience, enhancing your organisation's public profile.  

Engage face to face: Gain insights from potential volunteers about your programs, helping you refine and improve your engagement strategies.  

Build partnerships: Connect with other organisations, community leaders, and potential partners to foster collaborations and share resources.  

Exhibitor packages

There are two packages to choose from:

Exhibitor registration process

Volunteer involving organisations interested in exhibiting at the 2026 Volunteering Expo must complete the exhibitor registration form and pay to secure a stall. Please use the link at the end of the exhibitor registration form to pay for the stall.

Organisations are encouraged to read the 2026 exhibitor prospectus to know more about the event and what you can expect as an exhibitor.

Registrations are now closed. Please contact us if you would like to join us in 2027!

Become a VolunteeringACT member

Boasting a diverse membership base that spans from small community groups to large charities and government agencies, VolunteeringACT proudly represents and advocates for more than 200 organisations.

Members receive professional advice, access to training opportunities and other benefits to support their volunteering programs and other work. Members also benefit from our public policy knowledge and advocacy work and can access the latest research and reports related to volunteering and community information.

VolunteeringACT membership is offered at half price from January to May each year.

This year, we are partnering with UPSTAGEING Canberra to promote age-inclusive volunteering across all sectors with a focus on arts.

UPSTAGEING Canberra is Australia’s first large-scale Creative Ageing Arts Festival, celebrating the bold, brilliant, and diverse creative expression of older Canberrans. This festival will launch in March 2026, and will feature performances, exhibitions, arts workshops, and plenty of opportunities to get involved in arts activities — all created by, for, and with older people.

UPSTAGEING Canberra will be at the 2026 Volunteering Expo to promote volunteering, and its benefits for individuals and the community.

Click on the button below to know more about the UPSTAGEING Canberra festival

2026 Volunteering Expo will be at the University of Canberra (UC) Refectory (11 Kirinari St, Canberra ACT 2617).

UC Refectory is in Building 1, Level 8. Please refer to the links below for best routes to reach the venue and for information about parking spots.

• Planning travel via public transport – https://www.transport.act.gov.au/

• UC Campus map: https://www.canberra.edu.au/maps

• UC Campus parking: https://www.canberra.edu.au/on-campus/parking

• Accessible parking: https://www.canberra.edu.au/on-campus/facilities/accessible-facilities

UC Refectory is an accessible venue. If you have any special requirements, please let us know in the registration form or contact us via email (events@volunteeringact.org.au) or call on 02 6251 4060.

Please note, each exhibitor ticket (standard exhibitor ticket or special package ticket) includes 2 x parking permits for 2026 Volunteering Expo.

• These permits are only valid for the 2026 Volunteering Expo. Parking for the 2026 Volunteering Conference (for organisations paying for special package) needs to be paid by attendees.

• These permits are single use permits only. You cannot re-enter or exit once the pass is submitted in the exit gate machine.

• Exhibitors can purchase more parking permits during the registration process if required. VolunteeringACT cannot provide tickets on the day; pre-purchased tickets need to be arranged in advance if organisations wish to pay for parking. The UC parking machines do not provide parking receipts.

We are thankful for the continued support of University of Canberra and Newstime Media in making our Volunteering Expo a successful event.  

Please contact us with any questions, or any special requirements you may have: 

• Email: events@volunteeringact.org.au  

• Phone: 02 62514 060