Last year, 1.5 million people volunteered in Western Australia.
The results are from the WA Volunteering Report 2023, which was released for the first time since 2015.
Volunteering WA chief executive Tina Williams says the report is based on 1,000 people and more than 600 volunteer managers in WA.
It highlights some of the areas to focus on to ensure volunteering thrives in the future.
Ms Williams says there was a drop in volunteering numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She says the cost of living does have an impact, especially on formal volunteering, which usually require an ongoing commitment.
However informal volunteering, which are “often established to fill a short term or emergency need” – has seen a rise.
The survey completed by Volunteering WA shows that 78 per cent of volunteers are between the ages of 15 and 25.
Ali Biddiscombe volunteers at ParaQuad op shop, run by Alinea, which supports elderly people and those living with disabilities.
Ms Biddiscombe says one of her favourite parts about volunteering is making close friends.
Ms Biddiscombe says, “I wanted to become a volunteer because I wanted to give back to the community by doing something I enjoy.”
She says they never struggle with numbers as there are always volunteers coming in who are ready and willing to provide support.
24-year-old Tayla Taseff is one of over 450 West Australians volunteering at Perth Children’s Hospital.
Ms Taseff says she loves giving back to the community.
“I live with a condition called cerebral palsy and I try to give back in as many ways as I can,” she says.
“I want to show people nothing should stop you from doing what you want to do.”
Ms Taseff says her main reason for becoming a volunteer was to help support the people who cared for her in hospital.
“When this hospital opened, I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer and be on the other side of the scale,” she says.
She says the report shows the many opportunities for people to volunteer and showcase their skills.
“I am so pleased to hear that so many people are willing to give back to the community in WA in so many different ways.”