2006 NAB Awards highlight the best volunteer workplaces
[26 September 2006 | Volunteering Australia and The Centre for Volunteering]
Over 1200 not-for-profit organisations – an increase of over 10% on 2005 – competed in the 2006 NAB Volunteer Awards, coordinated by National Australia Bank in partnership with Volunteering Australia; proving that a growing number of organisations are recognising the importance of their volunteers having a satisfying experience at work.
This year 49 state and national category winners will share in $364,000 in awards, and a further 70 organisations commended for their efforts in supporting their volunteers.
Volunteering is growing in Australia: latest figures show that 41% or 6.3 million adult Australians volunteer every year giving 836 million hours, so it's essential to recognise and promote organisations that are leaders in supporting them.
"The most successful volunteer-involving organisations know that focusing on retaining volunteers, through positive experiences at work, will lead to better outcomes for their projects and communities," said Sha Cordingley, CEO of Volunteering Australia, Awards partner since they began in 1997.
"Our 2006 Volunteering Issues Survey revealed that 30% of volunteers are recruited through word-of-mouth. So it makes sense to focus on the wellbeing of your volunteers, who in turn can focus on your project, and even attract other volunteers to your cause," she concluded.
Kylee Bates, judging reviewer and Deputy CEO of Volunteering Australia, said that she was pleased to see a larger number of entries from the smaller states and from regional organisations this year.
"These awards recognise what even the smallest not-for-profit organisations can do to make the volunteering experience better. The range of winners demonstrates that with a little planning and some sound processes organisations can make a difference to their community, and provide positive volunteering experiences, regardless of their size, location or activity," Ms Bates said.
Ahmed Fahour, NAB's Executive Director and CEO Australia added "NAB is committed to doing its bit to encourage and develop volunteering. The volunteering movement in Australia has produced some world-class volunteer groups in recent years, and this year's winners are among the 'best of the best'."
National winners for 2006 are:
- 8CCC Community Radio Inc, NT (Art and Culture)
- Fishers with Disabilities, WA (Community Service and Development)
- The School Volunteer Program Inc, WA (Education and Youth Development)
- Victoria State Emergency Service – Benalla Unit, VIC (Emergency and Safety)
- Save Our Waterways Now Inc, QLD (Environment and Wildlife)
- SHINE for Kids Co-Operative Ltd, NSW (Health and Wellbeing)
- Sydney Heritage Fleet, NSW (Tourism, Sport and Recreation)
NSW winners for 2006 are:
- Sydney Writers Festival, Sydney (Art and Culture)
- Australian League of Immigration Volunteers, Fairfield West (Community Service and Development)
- 1st Warners Bay Scout Group (Education and Youth Development)
- Orange City State Emergency Service (Emergency and Safety)
- The Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia, Wallsend (Environment and Wildlife)
- SHINE for Kids Co-Operative Ltd, Silverwater (Health and Wellbeing)
- Sydney Heritage Fleet, Pyrmont (Tourism, Sport and Recreation)
Volunteer Awards fast facts
The NAB Volunteer Awards began in 1997 and are run in partnership with Volunteering Australia.The Awards are focused on rewarding organisations that demonstrate best practice in volunteer management; the Awards are unique in appreciating this crucial aspect of volunteering.
Seven category winners in each state receive $7,000 and the seven national winners receive an extra $3,000 – 49 winners in total. Another 70 organisations will receive merit certificates this year.
The Awards are judged by state volunteer centres, Volunteering Australia and 21 community leaders.
Volunteering Australia, the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community, provide free support and resources to not-for-profit organisations and runs the largest national, free online volunteer recruitment service – GoVolunteer – available at www.volunteeringaustralia.org.
The Centre for Volunteering would like to congratulate all the winners of the 2006 NAB Volunteer Awards.