Volunteers are seen as the lifeblood of regional communities, but a new study suggests these towns will be most at risk from raising the retirement age. 

Key points:

  • A Flinders University study finds volunteer numbers will decline as the eligibility age for the aged pension increases
  • Researcher Dr Rong Zhu says regional areas will be the worst affected by a drop in volunteer output
  • It comes as many regional volunteer organisations struggle for numbers

Research from Flinders University senior business economics lecturer Rong Zhu has predicted a federal government decision to push back the qualifying age for the aged pension to 67 by 2023 would result in a significant drop in volunteer hours and numbers. 

Currently, around six million Australians each year volunteer for a combined 520 million hours, which is worth an estimated $17 million for the economy. 

But Dr Zhu said this would fall as the age of retirement increased. 

“When we have this aged pension reform, in Australia there will be a shrinkage of the volunteer workforce. 

“I’ve found about 15 per cent of older men and 12 per cent of older women have their retirement status affected by the age of eligibility for the aged pension.” 

Overall, the study found volunteer output would reduce by around 3–4 per cent as a result of raising the aged pension eligibility age.

Organisations such as South Australia’s Country Fire Service rely on volunteers to keep the emergency service running.(

ABC News: Isabel Dayman

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Regional areas to be ‘more severely’ affected

Dr Zhu predicted regional areas would be hit hardest by an expected drop in volunteer numbers and hours, given their reliance on volunteer services. 

This included community groups providing services to the elderly and volunteer emergency services, such as the Country Fire Service. 

“I’m expecting the impact might be slightly larger because volunteering is relatively more important for regional areas,” Dr Zhu said.

“The impact of the increase on the aged pension eligibility age on retirement will be similar across all areas. 

Meals on Wheels Australia is one of Australia’s largest volunteer organisations with more than 75,000 volunteers preparing meals for around 120,000 recipients each year. 

Despite its status, regional chapters of the organisation have also been hit by volunteer shortages. 

Around 120,000 people across Australia rely on Meals on Wheels volunteers for their daily meals.(

ABC Riverland: Sophie Landau 

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Renmark Meals on Wheels supervisor Roz Dyer said chapters across the Riverland were “desperate” for volunteers. 

She said it was a rewarding experience that often involved more than just cooking and delivering food. 

“It’s nice to actually go out and see the people you’re making food for, get some feedback and give them some company,” Ms Dyer said. 

“Also, we can see if somebody isn’t 100 per cent and we can always let their family know if we think they’re not doing as well as they could be so their family can check up on them.”

COVID-19 adding extra pressure  

COVID-19 has added another layer of demand for local volunteers, as extra numbers are needed to enforce COVID requirements imposed by state governments on events. 

The Loxton Show in South Australia’s Riverland region was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 but is looking to make a comeback this year. 

Organisers have put out an urgent call to the community for volunteers, however, with a dearth of numbers a concern. 

The Loxton Show regularly draws a big crowd to the Riverland town.(

ABC News: Tom Fedorowytsch

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Loxton Show Society president Bill Shannon said the event had always relied on enthusiastic locals to run it every year. 

“The Loxton Show was very prominent, probably every person decided to lend a hand to get this event underway once a year, and that enthusiasm has continued right through,” he said. 

“That’s why we’re looking forward to everyone playing a role, or just becoming a volunteer anywhere in the community.”