‘Australia Volunteers: Inspire the Volunteer in You’ - National awards to recognise the local heroes
30th June, 2011
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss today called for nominations from all communities in Wide Bay, for the National Volunteer Awards.“The awards recognise individuals who make an outstanding contribution to their local community through volunteering,” Mr Truss said.
“Volunteering is an essential part of building stronger communities. Volunteering connects people, making lives more comfortable for others and strengthens our sense of belonging, creating positive relationships that build a stronger local community.
“Wide Bay relies heavily on the contribution of volunteers — our local heroes who give up their free time and resources to deliver services, in the areas of sport, emergency services and community culture and welfare, without seeking special praise for their valuable work.
“2011 is the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. The theme for worldwide celebrations is “Inspire the Volunteer in You” which recognises that everyone can be a volunteer and make a valuable contribution to their community.”
To mark the anniversary those individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the Wide Bay community through volunteering will be recognised through a special award.
People in Wide Bay will have the opportunity to nominate outstanding local volunteers and organisations in the following award categories:
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Junior Volunteer Award (17 and under)
• Young Volunteer Award (18-25 years)
• Education Award
• Environment Award
• Long-term Commitment to Community Service Award
• Business Volunteer Award
• Innovation in Volunteering Award (for an organisation or individual)
• New organisation Award
• Emergency Management Award
To be eligible for awards, volunteers should be widely recognised as being significant contributors to their communities; their contribution of time and effort should set an example to other volunteers; they provide guidance to other volunteers and where appropriate encourage others to join their cause; they should undertake their tasks selflessly and without the purpose of material gain.
Nominations will open after Thursday 30 June 2011. Award ceremonies are to be held on or around International Volunteer Day on Saturday 5 December 2011.
Ten award winners in each electorate will receive a custom-designed award pack which will include a letter of recognition from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Social Inclusion, a certificate of appreciation for their volunteering efforts and an IYV+10 commemorative stamp and coin set.
For more information about the awards or to download a nomination form, please visit www.warrentruss.com/onestop.php or call 1300 301 968.
