Today brings with it the start of National Volunteer Week, a week dedicated to celebrating the generous contributions made by Australia’s 5.7 million volunteers.

With some 1 in 3 Australians partaking in charity work annually, many people will be acknowledged during the festivities.

“That 5.7 million is just the tip of the iceberg,” says Adrienne Picone, CEO of Volunteering Australia.

“So many contribute informally every single day. There’s so much going on out there.”

The benefits of volunteerism cannot be underestimated, says Ms Picone, who revealed that volunteering yields a 450% return on every dollar invested.

“It is so much a part of who we are as Australians. It’s a part of our cultural identity.”

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