Premier launches volunteer recognition program
NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello today launched a program to acknowledge the selfless actions of volunteers.
Member for Granville Tony Issa joined Mr Baird and Mr Dominello at the Granville Youth and Community Centreto launch the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program in front of about 200 volunteers.
“The program will recognise the two million volunteers in NSW who together give up 240 million hours of their time to support others each year,” Mr Baird said.
“In dollar terms, their combined effort supporting our community is worth about $5 billion to our economy.
“This program recognises the support volunteers provide, a commitment made when we launched the first ever NSW Volunteering Strategy in 2012.
“Volunteering is a gift and it’s hoped this initiative will encourage more people to volunteer by shining a light on the incredible contributions already being made.”
Mr Dominello said the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program will have six levels of recognition and nominations for recognition in the adult categories open from today.
“High school students in Years 9, 10 and 11 will be eligible for three of the categories of recognition, which we hope will one day tie in with the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“Nominations open today for two categories of volunteer recognition – for individuals who have offered their services for more than 25 years, as well as lifelong contributors.”
Mr Issa said the program would be welcomed by community organisations, such as the Granville Multicultural Community Centre which rely on volunteers.
“The Youth and Community Centre’s new fit-out and landscaping was made possible through 2,500 hours of volunteer labour from Granville Multicultural Community Centre and the South Granville Men’s Shed – making it the welcoming place it is today,” Mr Issa said.
“These acts of generosity and community spirit are happening right across NSW and this new program will ensure volunteers are appropriately recognised.”
To nominate a volunteer for recognition please visit: www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au