Volunteers are at the heart of sailing clubs across Australia

This week marks National Volunteer Week 2026, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, and Australian Sailing is proud to recognise the incredible volunteers who help our sport thrive across the country.

From race management and safety boat crews to coaching, administration, fundraising and community support, volunteers are the backbone of sailing in Australia. Every day, thousands of people generously give their time, skills and passion to create welcoming, inclusive and vibrant sailing communities for people of all ages and abilities.

Celebrating Our Volunteers 

Join Australian Sailing in celebrating the incredible volunteers who make our sport possible. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for sailing clubs and classes across the country to recognise and thank the volunteers who keep sailing thriving both on and off the water. We encourage all clubs to start planning how you will acknowledge and celebrate your volunteers during the week.

As part of this celebration, clubs are encouraged to get involved in the Australian Sports Commission’s 3 Cheers for Volunteers campaign - a simple way to say thank you to the people who help make sport happen. 

Find out more about National Volunteer Week and the 3 Cheers campaign:

Volunteering Australia

ASC National Volunteer Week 2026 

Throughout the week, Australian Sailing will also be shining a spotlight on the outstanding nominees for the 2025 Australian Sailing Volunteer of the Year Awards, recognising the remarkable contribution they make within their clubs, classes and communities.

The volunteers include:

• Chris Oldham from Princess Royal Sailing Club, recognised for his contribution to club and community sailing in regional Western Australia.
• Donnah Jordan from Mackay Sailing Club, who serves as Club Secretary, is a Committee Member of the North Queensland Sabot Association, and President of the Australian National Sabot Council.
• Julia Hornsby from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Chair of the Organising Authority for the International Hansa Class Association World and International Championships.
• Mark Homes, a dedicated volunteer supporting multiple sailing organisations and youth sailing initiatives across South Australia, primarily through Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club.
• Matt Wardell, a long-standing volunteer who has contributed to numerous sailing clubs and class associations across Tasmania and the broader Australian sailing community.
• Rosaline Marshall, recognised for her contribution to youth and Optimist class sailing in Victoria through the Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association (VIODA).

These volunteers represent the spirit of sailing - generous, passionate and community-minded individuals whose efforts continue to strengthen and grow the sport around Australia.

Follow Australian Sailing throughout National Volunteer Week as we celebrate the incredible people who continue to shape the future of our sport.

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Find out more about Volunteering HERE