 International Volunteer Day – 5 December 2011 |
5th December, 2011 |
|
Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss, today paid tribute to all volunteers in Wide Bay as part of International Volunteer Day. “International Volunteer Day provides us with a special opportunity to thank and show our appreciation to volunteers who work to make life a little easier for someone else,” Mr Truss said. “Volunteers perform a range of important work, giving up their free time and resources to care for others by delivering a variety of community services. They make an enormous difference to the wellbeing of countless Australians and those less fortunate. “2011 has been a year in which the contribution of volunteers has again been appreciated, especially with the amazing response of volunteers following the devastation caused by natural disasters. Yet the work of volunteers extends far beyond the vital help they provide during times of emergency, such as the floods earlier this year.” Mr Truss said Wide Bay relies heavily on the contribution of volunteers. “Volunteers contribute by sharing their skills and knowledge to strengthen the community in areas like community welfare, emergency services, sport, and environmental conservation. “Their efforts often go unrecognised, but our community would not be the same without the work they do,” Mr Truss said. Special awards have been created to celebrate International Volunteer Day, and over the last 12 months people have contacted Mr Truss to ask him to say ‘thank you’ to a special volunteer. A custom designed volunteer award pack will be presented to the following volunteers by Mr Truss. Name Organisation Location Brian Thomas - Mary River Catchment Coordination Assoc Inc Kilkivan Jenny Mengel - Save the Mary River Coordinating Group Inc - Kandanga John MacFarlane - Australian Volunteer Coastguard Tin Can Bay - Cooloola Cove Kevin Woodgate - Australian Volunteer Coastguard Tin Can Bay - Gympie Bevan Thoroughgood - Australian Volunteer Coastguard Tin Can Bay - Gympie Karen Ritchie - St Mary’s College, Maryborough - Maryborough Judy Charteris - Meals on Wheels Fraser Coast - Maryborough Tanya Easterby - Cooloola Human Services Network - Gympie Gail Gauld - Woocoo Historical Museum - Brooweena Doreen Campos - Salvation Army - Murgon More than 5.4 million Australians give up some of their time to volunteer, contributing 700 million hours of voluntary work each year. From just a few hours a week or several days a month, Australian volunteers make a difference at home and abroad. “Volunteering can be extremely rewarding and I encourage everyone in Wide Bay to think about ways in which they can help to strengthen their community by becoming a volunteer,” Mr Truss said. “If you know of a volunteer who deserves special recognition, please contact me and I will arrange for the volunteer to receive a special national certificate recognising their efforts.” To find out more about International Volunteer Day, or to get involved in volunteering in our local area, visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org. | |