National Volunteer Week sees the start of a new Awards year
National Volunteer Week will see the launch of the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Award celebrates the 1.6 million people who contribute to the NSW community by giving up their spare time to help others.
Launched last year by The Centre for Volunteering, the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award is open to anyone who volunteers three hours a week or more to any NSW community based not-for-profit organisation.
This means the Award could be won by any one of a third of the NSW population who spend time helping others in activities as varied as:
- sports coaching at schools or clubs in any code or discipline
- emergency work with SES, Surf lifesaving or the Rural Fire Brigade
- social and community-based activities, such as hospital visiting or assistance to stressed people or the homeless; or
- fundraising or assisting in the administration of any branch or any organisation – such as helping in fundraising shops or staffing secretarial and switchboard services.
"The opportunities for volunteers are endless," says Lynne Dalton, CEO, The Centre for Volunteering. "I am constantly amazed at the creative and selfless ways that volunteers put themselves out to aid others."
The 2007 NSW Volunteer of the Year is Mary Mamour, of Blacktown, who has spent her efforts helping young African migrants, many of whom arrived from refugee camps in Sudan, settle into the Australian lifestyle. "…The situation only becomes worse when problems happen between them (African migrants) and the authority They need people who can help them communicate and overcome the cultural difference. It's a pleasure for me to be able to play that role." Mary says, after winning the Award.
2007 NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year, Laurie Smith, of Port Macquarie, has worked with Aunties and Uncles for more than 12 years mentoring disadvantaged children with the help of his wife. 2007 NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year and 2007 NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year, Amanda Grant, of Cronulla, captured the hearts and minds of the "Tradies" by instigating and founding the Tradies Community Service Volunteer Program at the Sutherland District Trade Union Club.
The 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award will be launched at Government House on Monday, 12 May 2008 by NSW Minister for Volunteering and Patron of the Awards, Linda Burney. Ian Kiernan, Chairman of Clean Up Australia, will be MC of the event.
Nominations can be submitted online or by mail and close Tuesday, 30 September 2008.
More Information
Kristin Romanis
Communications Manager, The Centre for Volunteering
T: 8267 6309 or 0412 313 359
E: kromanis@volunteering.com.au
About The Centre for Volunteering
The Centre for Volunteering is the peak body for volunteering in NSW. The Centre promotes and supports volunteering and community participation through volunteer referral, advocacy, research, policy and resource development, training, information and education services enhance the capacity and skills of volunteers, not-for-profits, corporations and government to become involved in the community. Visit www.volunteering.com.au
