Media Releases

10 Oct 2011 - National Awards to Recognise Adelaide's Local Heroes

KATE ELLIS MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ADELAIDE

MEDIA RELEASE

10 October 2011

NATIONAL AWARDS TO RECOGNISE ADELAIDE'S LOCAL HEROES

Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis today called for nominations from the local community for the National Volunteer Awards.

"I know that there are so many people and organisations in our local community that are doing some fantastic work helping others; whether that's community sport, assisting our senior citizens or mentoring our kids," Ms Ellis Said.

"Volunteering plays a key role in building stronger communities which in turn creates an enduring sense of ownership and identity with our local area"

"This is an opportunity for Adelaide to celebrate and thank our volunteers - the unsung heroes who work tirelessly and without fanfare in making a contribution to our local community."

2011 marks the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. The theme for worldwide celebrations is 'Inspire the Volunteer in You' - recognising that everyone can be a volunteer and make a valuable contribution to their community.

To mark this special year we have the opportunity to recognise those individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the Adelaide community through volunteering.

Local residents, schools and community organisations will have the opportunity to nominate outstanding local volunteers and organisations in the following award categories:

MP's 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
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 should 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 have now opened and need to be received before Friday 11 November 2011. A local award ceremony will be held in December to coincide with International Volunteer Day on 5 December 2011.

Ten award winners in Adelaide 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. In addition, all nominations will receive a Adelaide Volunteer Award, recognising their contribution to our local community.

For more information about the awards or to download a nomination form, please visit www.kateellis.com.au or call 8269 2433.