New research from Charles Sturt University (CSU) aims to understand what motivates volunteers and how organisations can help to keep them actively engaged. Ms Emily Webster, a business honours student in the CSU School of Management and Marketing in Bathurst, said, "Volunteering makes a significant contribution to the social and economic development of society through the provision of a number of services that assist the wellbeing of individuals and groups. My project aims to examine the relationship between volunteer motivations and their job design, to create a deeper understanding of what encourages volunteers to stay with local community groups, and to help provide practical recommendations for organisations. The Bathurst Unit of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has been extremely helpful with the pilot study for the project and assisting to prepare for mass survey distribution." Ms Webster's motivation for this research project was triggered by her activities as a volunteer while studying her undergraduate degree. The volunteer retention project started on Thursday 5 February at Bathurst SES headquarters. Seven SES volunteers and employees discussed the influence of job design on their willingness to volunteer and stay with organisations.