CMY celebrates National Volunteer Week
Photos by Ishani Buff
On 22 May, CMY volunteers gathered at the Multicultural Hub for a night of celebration, reflection and dance. Taking place in National Volunteer Week (18 – 24 May), CMY staff held the event as a way to thank our volunteers for the life-changing work they do.
Over 440 volunteers contribute to our programs, and we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication, lived experience, and the passion they bring to supporting multicultural young people. Our volunteers are part of a wide range of programs including youth leadership and providing support to young people in youth justice settings, settling into Australia, finding work, and with cultural support and connections.
The event was hosted by three members of CMY’s Metro Youth Advisory Group: Adriel, Binusha and Shiao, who are volunteers themselves. Adriel opened the night with an Acknowledgement of Country, with a reminder of everyone’s part to play in reconciliation, a fitting mention as National Reconciliation Week has just begun.
CMY CEO Carmel Guerra addressed and thanked CMY’s volunteers by sharing some volunteer stories from across the organisation. She noted the unpaid nature of volunteering and how the impact of volunteering is worth much more.
“There is something really powerful in young people knowing that you are choosing in your own time to come and support them.”
She also reflected on her own volunteering journey, highlighting the life-long benefits of volunteering time for others.
“That was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had because I realised there were a group of people that I would have never come across if I had not agreed to volunteer.”
Volunteers in the room were given the chance to reflect on the key moments in their own volunteer journeys with the rest of the room.
One YRIPP volunteer shared an important moment where she stood up for a young person in custody who needed the door shut to feel more comfortable.
Another volunteer shared his experience mentoring young South Sudanese people as part of the Jamma program and the importance of strong role models in young people’s professional lives.
The event closed off with a stunning performance by dance group Son de Mexico. Three dancers amazed the audience with five different traditional Mexican dances ranging from solo acts to duets, and a final trio performance. Volunteers were encouraged to get up and dance with the group and learnt the steps to one of the dances.
National Volunteer Week’s theme for 2026 was “Your year to volunteer.” If you don’t currently volunteer, this could be your year! Find out more about volunteer opportunities with CMY.