📍 Bairnsdale · East Gippsland
Debbie, Rowan & Honey
East Gippsland Badminton Association
Three volunteers. One club. A combined 25+ years of showing up, setting up, and keeping badminton alive in East Gippsland.
About the Campaign
The Heart Of
The Heart Of
Local Sport
Every Saturday morning game, every junior comp, every social session — none of it happens without volunteers. They set up the courts, coach the kids, run the canteen, and stay back to pack up.
This National Volunteer Week, GippSport is celebrating the real Gippsland people who give their time to keep community sport alive and thriving across our region.
Whether you've been volunteering for 25 years or you're thinking about putting your hand up for the first time — this week is for you.
Give Back
Contribute to something bigger than yourself in your local community.
Connect
Meet new people and build lasting friendships through sport.
Grow
Develop new skills, confidence and a sense of purpose.
Matter
Your effort directly shapes the experience of every local athlete.
Volunteer Stories
Real People.
Real People.
Real Stories.
Meet the Gippsland volunteers giving their time to the sports and communities they love. In their own words.
📍 Phillip Island
Nala Taylor
Longboard Coordinator · Phillip Island Boardriders
"It feels good knowing I'm helping create moments for other surfers while contributing to something bigger than just my own surfing."
📍 Moe
Ryan & Taylor
President & Coordinator · Moe Tennis Club
"Being able to be part of something bigger than myself — and helping build lasting connections in our community."
📍 Inverloch
Lucy
Under 12s Coach · Inverloch Stars Soccer Club
"Watching the kids grow and get involved in sport — it's kind of essential for making sport available for kids."
In Their Words
Why They
Why They
Volunteer
Straight from the volunteers themselves. No script. No polish. Just the real reasons they show up.
"Coordinating the comps, seeing everything come together on the day, and then getting to paddle out and be part of it myself — it's incredibly rewarding."
"I enjoy seeing the kids grow and get involved in sport. Coaching has improved my own game too — and it's just a nice way to give back."
"I've enjoyed volunteering for over 25 years. I enjoy the sport, I enjoy meeting other people and having a good time."
"It provides value to others in the community — and that's really good for your own sense of self too."
"I love the game. And I want the game to continue in the future. That's why I volunteer."
"It's a bit of social life. I get to play the sport I love and meet a lot of people. What's not to love?"
Get Involved
Is This
Is This
Your Year?
Volunteering in community sport is easier than you think. Here's how to get started.
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Think About What You Love
Sport, community, kids, events — there's a volunteer role that fits your interests and your schedule.
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Find Your Local Club
Clubs across Gippsland are looking for people just like you — no experience needed.
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Put Your Hand Up
Reach out to GippSport or contact your local club directly. We'll help you find the right fit.
GippSport Can Help Your Club
We support sporting clubs and community organisations across Gippsland to attract, retain and celebrate their volunteers.
- Volunteer recruitment support
- Club development resources
- Training and education pathways
- Recognition and celebration programs
- Funding and grant guidance
Follow Along
Find Us On
Find Us On
Social Media
Follow GippSport on Facebook and Instagram for a new volunteer story every day during National Volunteer Week. Share with someone who should be volunteering.