State Government helps the community celebrate volunteers

Community groups wanting to reward the efforts and dedication of local volunteers are being encouraged to apply for a State Government grant of up to $1,000.

Communities Minister Sue Ellery said the Government had set aside a total of $30,000 to help local groups hold celebrations for volunteers on Thank a Volunteer Day in December.

“The aim of the annual grants program is to recognise and celebrate Western Australia’s volunteers and their contribution to the community,” Ms Ellery said.

“More than 36 per cent of Western Australians volunteer - the second highest rate in Australia - and they contribute about 71 million hours of unpaid work each year.

“Volunteers are often unsung heroes and that is why we are encouraging eligible community groups to acknowledge the efforts of local volunteers by holding activities or celebrations.

“The grants will allow the community to collectively thank its volunteers for the tremendous work they do, while raising awareness of the many benefits of volunteering to not just the community but also the volunteers themselves.”

The Minister said the grants were specifically tailored for community groups to hold an event or celebration for not only their own volunteers, but all volunteers in the local area.

Ms Ellery said nominations were also being sought for the Ministerial Certificate of Recognition, which recognised people who had made an outstanding contribution to volunteering.

“The people we would like to acknowledge may do unpaid work in a range of areas, such as hospitals, fire and emergency services, lifesaving, schools, art galleries, museums, libraries, festivals, community fundraising events and environmental projects,” she said.

Thank a Volunteer Day grant applications close on September 1.

Nominations for the Ministerial Certificate of Recognition close on October 24 and certificates will be presented at Thank a Volunteer Day celebrations on December 5.

For more information, telephone 6217 8400.  Application forms can be downloaded from http://www.communities.wa.gov.au