Volunteering Australia estimates that about six million people in this country regularly put their hands up to help out in community groups.
Calculations suggest volunteers' estimated annual economic and social contribution in Australia is a whopping $290 billion.
We see these volunteers everywhere we go, from local sporting clubs to hospitals and schools, providing support and assistance that in many cases simply couldn't be bought.
At pretty much any local sporting fixture on any given weekend, there will be dozens of volunteers, from the coaches and administrators to the emergency organisations like St John Ambulance Australia who are ready to help with first aid.
Think of the countless hours of training undertaken by the members of the Volunteer Rescue Squad, State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Service.
Not only do they devote their time, and sometimes their own money, but they are willing to actually put themselves into potentially hazardous situations for others.
We have all seen images of crews battling to protect life and property as a bushfire approaches, or watched as emergency crews work to help people make their homes safe after a storm has swept through and left little behind beyond damage and heartache.
If you ever chat to these people and ask why they're happy to devote hours and hours to helping strangers, you're likely to be told that "someone's got to do it" or "you have to give a bit back".
We often hear debates about what it is to be Australian, or more to the point un-Australian, and more often than not, the debate takes on a nasty tone. But could there be a better example of what is good in a community than its volunteers?
From May 20 to 26 we will celebrate National Volunteers Week.
Australia is the lucky country to have so many caring residents.
Jody Lindbeck
