National Volunteer Week 2025: Connecting communities through volunteering

National Volunteer Week 2025 presents an exciting opportunity to reflect on the invaluable contributions made by ADA Dental Health Foundation (ADA DHF) volunteers. 

It also encourages people who are not yet volunteering to consider giving back to their communities. Celebrated under the theme ‘Connecting Communities’, NVW highlights the power of volunteering to bring people together, build lasting relationships, and strengthen the fabric of society.

The power of volunteering

Volunteering plays a crucial role in fostering strong, resilient, and connected communities. It creates a culture of generosity, empathy, and mutual support, allowing individuals to contribute to causes they care about while improving the lives of others. By offering time, skills, and resources, volunteers make a meaningful impact on society.

But the benefits extend beyond just the recipients of volunteer work. Volunteering is a two-way street, 
enriching the lives of volunteers themselves by providing personal growth, valuable experiences, and a deep 
sense of fulfillment. It also promotes social responsibility, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds connect and collaborate to build a more inclusive society. The ripple effect of volunteering reaches far and wide, creating positive change not just for the individual volunteer, but for the community at large.

The spirit of connection

This National Volunteer Week, we recognise the spirit of connection embodied by all ADA DHF volunteers. Their efforts help hundreds of disadvantaged people who would otherwise be unable to access dental care. Volunteering is an act that goes beyond giving time – the impact is profound: volunteers help to create a more inclusive, compassionate world.

Voices of volunteers

Hear from some of the ADA DHF’s volunteers who share their thoughts on the significance of volunteering and its impact on both their lives and on the communities they serve.

Dr Gavin Quek

Committee and Member of the ADA Dental Health Foundation Advisory Board, reflects on the power of volunteering in healthcare: 

“Volunteering is a profound way to create meaningful impact. The ability to help someone else, whether through clinical care, advocacy, or leadership, reinforces my belief that dental care should be accessible and preventive at its core. It’s not just about giving time, it’s about shaping a better future for those who need it most.”

Dr Russell Gordon

Dr Russell Gordon, Chair of the ADA Dental Health Foundation WA State Committee, emphasises how small actions can lead to big differences:

“By using even the most basic of our skills, we can make huge differences to people’s lives. I think volunteering reflects well on us as individuals, as well as on our profession as a whole. It emphasises to the community that we aren’t normal businesses but in fact professionals who put the welfare of patients before all else in our daily work.”

Dr Julee Birch

Dr Julee Birch, Chair of the ADA Dental Health Foundation Qld State Committee, shares her journey into volunteering and the impact it has had on her practice and team:

“I originally became involved because I wanted to volunteer but could not see myself volunteering overseas, which I thought was pretty much the only option. I had always felt vaguely guilty that I had never volunteered overseas. Once I had participated in my first Dental Rescue Day, I was amazed at the need in my own community and humbled at how much dental treatment could help some of the patients I treated. My whole team volunteers, which has made the act of volunteering a great bonding experience for us all and an event we all look forward to. And because we volunteer in our own practice, we are familiar with the materials and equipment, so it’s very easy. Volunteering to me means using some of my unique skills – being a dentist 
– to make a difference in some people’s lives. I see that tangibly every time I host a volunteer day.”

Join the movement

National Volunteer Week is not only about acknowledging the tireless efforts of volunteers, but a call to action! The wonderful volunteers of the ADA DHF are crucial to the impact the organisation has on the lives of the people they serve every day. Volunteering, no matter the scale, helps create lasting bonds and plays a vital role in creating a more compassionate and connected society.

Get involved

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a big, daunting commitment. It can be as simple as dedicating a few hours of your time and skills once a month or annually. The impact can be incredible. As an example, in 2024 ADA DHF volunteers made an impact to the value of more than $1.5 million in pro bono dental treatment across Australia. 

* As we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025, let’s come together and honour the spirit of volunteering. 
Together, we can continue to strengthen our communities and make the world a better place for all.