For National Volunteer Week, we asked our Kookaburra Kids community a simple question:

What song reminds you of volunteering, connection, resilience, community, camp memories, or Kookaburra Kids?

The answers became something really special.

From airport memories after camp, to songs that bring back the happy tired feeling of a final reflection video, to tracks about friendship, self acceptance, grief, courage and belonging, our community playlist captures so much of what makes Kookaburra Kids volunteers extraordinary.

Volunteering with Kookaburra Kids is not just about showing up for an activity or a weekend away. It is about creating moments where young people feel seen, supported and less alone. It is about helping them build friendships, try something new, laugh until it hurts, dance badly, talk honestly, and remember that they do not have to carry everything by themselves.

And, as it turns out, there is a song for almost every part of that experience.

One volunteer chose Young Queen by Mimoza, remembering hearing it for the first time at Townsville Airport after a Magnetic Island camp. For them, the song speaks to seeing the potential in every young person, no matter their background, and the pride that comes from helping young people connect with new friends.

Others chose songs that speak directly to resilience and self belief. Unstoppable by Sia, I’m Still Standing by Elton John, High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco and The Middle by Jimmy Eat World all appeared as reminders that people can keep going, even when things are hard. These songs carry messages of confidence, perseverance and self acceptance, ideas that sit at the heart of the supportive environment Kookaburra Kids creates.

Some songs were chosen because they feel like community. Count On Me by Bruno Mars, I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts, We Got Love by Jessica Mauboy and Life Is A Highway by Rascal Flatts all reflect friendship, trust, belonging and the feeling of finding your people.

For many volunteers and staff, camp memories were woven through their choices. One person shared Green Green Grass by George Ezra, which was used in the final reflection video of their first Kookaburra Kids camp. The song now brings back the happy, tired, full hearted feeling of the end of camp, when you can see how much the young people have grown over just a few days.

Another response remembered a group of young people joyfully dancing to Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs during a summer camp, bursting into laughter as they used the stop sign motion while crossing roads on the way to surfing. It is a small moment, but exactly the kind of memory that stays with people.

There were songs about grief and healing too, including Bronte by Gotye and Savoir aimer by Florent Pagny. These choices remind us that resilience is not always loud or upbeat. Sometimes it is quiet. Sometimes it is about acceptance, care, patience and being around others who understand.

And of course, some songs were chosen simply because they make people want to move. Santé by Stromae, Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine and many others bring energy, hope and joy to the playlist. They remind us that even after difficult times, brighter moments can still find their way back in.

Together, these songs tell a story of the Kookaburra Kids volunteer community. A story of kindness, courage, laughter, connection and care.

To every volunteer who gives their time, energy and heart to support young people living in families impacted by mental illness, thank you. You help create the memories, friendships and moments of confidence that young people carry with them long after camp, activity days or online sessions end.

This playlist is for you.

Listen to the National Volunteer Week community playlist here:

The full list of songs chosen by our volunteers: