Bringing Vivid Sydney to life wouldn’t be possible without hundreds of volunteers, including 88-year-old Franklin Davies OAM, who has been part of the festival since its volunteer program first launched.

Mr Davies was awarded the Order of Australia in 2023 for his contribution to volunteering and was named Volunteer of the Year at the City of Canterbury-Bankstown’s 2026 Australia Day Awards. He has spent more than 70 years volunteering and has proudly participated in every Vivid Sydney festival since 2014.

The Vivid Sydney Volunteer Program, in collaboration with Casual Hands, plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the festival.

In 2025, 709 volunteers contributed 25,881 hours across the 23-day event, providing information at city-wide booths, roaming key precincts and supporting many Vivid Light installations.

This year, from 22 May to 13 June, volunteers are once again assisting attendees with information about the event, accessible viewing areas, public facilities, transport options, amenities and general directions.

Vivid Sydney’s Lights On moment for 2026 coincided with National Volunteer Week, which was celebrated from 18-24 May 2026. The NSW Government supports and promotes volunteering, which enriches the lives of volunteers, strengthens local communities and benefits the NSW economy.

Minister for Tourism and Jobs Steve Kamper said: “Volunteers contribute valuable skills, time and energy to the NSW visitor economy. They help to deliver important services, programs and activities that contribute to the Minns Labor Government’s vision to shape the future of tourism in NSW.

“Vivid Sydney is a vibrant cultural experience for all ages and the festival is fortunate to have Franklin as its oldest and most dedicated volunteer. His enthusiasm is inspirational.

“Thank you to all our Vivid Sydney volunteers and everyone who gives their time to support the visitor economy each year, including assisting at events, welcoming cruise passengers into our ports and showcasing our museums, galleries and Visitor Information Centres throughout the state.”

Casual Hands co-founder Shabnam Mahabat said: “We are incredibly proud to deliver the Vivid Sydney Volunteer Program. Vivid Sydney continues to set the benchmark for large-scale event delivery—and behind every activation, precinct and installation is a volunteer workforce that helps create safe, welcoming and memorable experiences for millions of visitors.

“We will have around 800 volunteers engaged over the 23 days of Vivid Sydney. We’re thrilled to work with this year’s volunteer cohort on one of Australia’s most iconic major events.”

Vivid Sydney volunteer Franklin Davies OAM said: “I’ve spent more than 70 years of my life volunteering and Vivid Sydney is one of my favourite events because it’s so colourful. I was working every night of the festival until seven years ago, when I started missing one evening to show my children and grandchildren around.

“This year I will do 23 afternoons at Circular Quay and I’m really enjoying answering parents’ questions and asking children if they are enjoying themselves. Vivid Sydney is a wonderful event for families to experience together and I am proud to be part of its magic.”

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Pictured main: Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper, Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones and Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO met Mr Davies at Customs House's The Fringe of Infinity installation to thank him for his service.