This seemingly simple philosophy tackles a nationwide concern: retaining the vital volunteer workforce that underpins our sporting world.

In the lead-up to National Volunteer Week 2024, Mr. Hartung discussed his blueprint for building a sustainable volunteer force and the power of sport in supporting veterans.

The secret lies in creating a volunteer ecosystem – a ‘three-level’ approach where national leadership, state federations and local groups all play a crucial role in empowering, supporting and celebrating volunteers – and in turn, redefining what sports participation means.

“Everyone has a role to play in supporting the volunteer pathway,” Hartung explains.

This message is echoed in Volunteering Australia’s 2024 National Volunteer Week theme: ‘Something for Everyone’.

Held from 20 to 26 May, National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.

The Sport Volunteer Coalition uses the week as a platform to empower and celebrate the backbone of our sporting world. There’s a place for everyone to contribute, and it is everyone’s responsibility to champion sport volunteer opportunities.

“National federations are in a great position. They can look across the entire system and see those great examples where volunteering and participation are working successfully,” Hartung said.

This knowledge can then be shared with other groups to improve their volunteer engagement strategies, ultimately leading to a higher retention rate and attracting a wider pool of volunteers.

Invictus Australia’s approach also challenges the conventional understanding of participation in sport.

Hartung says it’s time to adopt a broader perspective: “Participation in sport also includes volunteering.”