ACT Government's Ministerial
Media Release Service
Title : Volunteer Awards highlight importance of volunteering
Minister : Jon Stanhope MLA
Date: 27 February 2003
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope today launched the 2003 ACT Volunteer
of the Year Awards, saying the awards highlight the importance and
value of volunteering in the community.
The annual awards are a joint initiative of Volunteering ACT and
NRMA. Nominations are now open for the 2003 awards.
"Volunteering is an important expression of citizenship and
is essential to our democracy. It is a commitment of time and energy
for the benefit of society and the community," Mr Stanhope
said.
"Recent events in Canberra have shown how important volunteering
is for the Canberra community. Volunteer firefighters put their
lives at risk to protect lives and property. Concerned residents
helped at evacuation centres and in their neighbourhoods. Local
charities coordinated donations of food and clothing. These are
just some of the activities undertaken by volunteers during and
after the bushfires.
"Beyond the bushfires, there are just so many others in the
community who volunteer their time. More than 100,000 Canberrans
volunteer across a broad range of areas including health, social
services, education, youth, the arts, culture, sport and recreation,
and the environment.
"The Volunteer of the Year Awards are a chance to highlight
the dedication and courage of our volunteers, to recognise excellence
in voluntary service and to acknowledge all the people who freely
and generously give of themselves.
"This year, there will certainly be no shortage of nominations.
I encourage Canberrans to take the time to fill in a nomination.
It's a chance to pat our volunteers on the back and say a heart-felt
thank you."
Nominations close on 4 April. Forms are available by contacting
Volunteering ACT on 6251 4060 or by visiting their website at www.volunteeract.org.au.
Award recipients will be announced at a presentation ceremony during
National Volunteer Week in May.
The Chief Minister commended Volunteering ACT and the NRMA for
developing the awards and for providing ongoing support and sponsorship
for them.
Released: 27 February 2003
Inquiries: Penny Farnsworth: 6205 0434(w)
6282 4347(h) 0417481 407(m)
Jon Stanhope MLA
CHIEF MINISTER
ATTORNEY GENERAL MINISTER FOR HEALTH
MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
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