Volunteering is strong in the Boyne Tannum community with 1433 (18.3 per cent) people aged 15 years and over providing volunteer services. This compares to 16.2 per cent for the Gladstone Region.

While volunteerism in Boyne Tannum is strong, the number of volunteers has fluctuated. In 2011 there were 1,524 volunteers, which increased by 258 in 2016. This decreased by 349 in 2021. Overall, there has been a net decrease on volunteering of 91 volunteers.

There have been reductions in volunteer numbers for those aged 20-55 between 2011 and 2021. The largest decrease as been for those aged 35-44 at 8.9 per cent or 15 people. The largest decrease took place between 2021 and 2016 at 6.3 per cent.

There were increases in volunteering rates for those aged 15-19 and those aged between 55 and 84. The largest of these increases was for people aged 65-74 at 7.9 per cent, representing 110 people.

With a population of just shy of 10,000, the Boyne Island Tannum Sands community has a large number of community groups supported by a strong volunteer base.

There are currently 10 active community groups in the area, eight community sporting groups and three large community-led destination events, the Boyne Tannum Hookup, Under the Trees and the monthly Beach Arts Music (BAM) Markets.

Tannum Sands Beach is patrolled by Surf Life Saving Queensland and has an active volunteer base supporting its weekend and school holiday roster.

Considerations:

• With a high number of working families in the area, time to volunteer may be limited.
• There is opportunity to strengthen the number of volunteers.
• There is a strong presence of seniors residing in Boyne Tannum that could be welcomed into volunteer programs.