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Forty-nine community groups that make volunteering a two-way street - investing in the volunteers who are investing in the community - have been honoured in the 2006 NAB Volunteer Awards, announced today.
With over 6.3 million volunteers contributing more than 836 million volunteer hours nationally in the last 12 months, the Awards highlight the giant strides being made in supporting volunteers to do their work.
Sha Cordingley, CEO of Volunteering Australia - a partner in the Awards since their inception in 1997 - said the NAB Volunteer Awards were unique in recognising organisations that create a positive and inclusive environment for volunteers.
The end result is a more satisfying volunteering experience that leads to some great outcomes for the community.
"Volunteering is a 'two-way street' and creating a positive and worthwhile experience for volunteers is crucial to the overall success of any community initiative," Ms Cordingley said.
Ahmed Fahour, National Australia Bank's Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Australia, added: "This year's nominations showed a high level of understanding about the needs of volunteers and we hope that these winners will inspire other groups to consider their own volunteering practices.
"NAB is committed to doing its bit to encourage and develop volunteering. The volunteering movement in Australia has produced some world-class volunteer groups in recent years, and this year's winners are among the 'best of the best'."
The 49 award-winning organisations were chosen from 1200 nominations across seven diverse categories in each state or combined territories, and will share in $364,000 from NAB.
State winners receive $7,000 and the seven national winners receive an additional $3,000. The Awards are judged independently by Volunteering Australia and community leaders in each category.
The national winners for 2006 are:
" 8CCC Community Radio Inc, NT (Art and Culture)
" Fishers with Disabilities, WA (Community Service and Development)
" The School Volunteer Program Inc, WA (Education and Youth Development)
" Victoria State Emergency Service - Benalla Unit, VIC (Emergency and Safety)
" Save Our Waterways Now Inc, QLD (Environment and Wildlife)
" SHINE for Kids Co-Operative Ltd, NSW (Health and Wellbeing)
" Sydney Heritage Fleet, NSW (Tourism, Sport and Recreation)
Ms Cordingley said: "The NAB Volunteer Awards reward innovative organisations that value and involve their volunteers, through training and skill development, embracing their ideas, and offering a satisfying outlet for people's talents, interests and concerns."
The momentum within the volunteering movement is reflected in NAB's own employee volunteering program.
For more information or media interviews contact:
Angela Jackson
Cox Inall Communications
Tel: (02) 8204 3872
Mob: 0407 213 522
Jonathan Rose
Media Relations, Corporate Affairs - Australia
National Australia Bank
Tel: (03) 8634 8250
Mob: 0417 369 356
Irena Bukhshtaber
National Communications Manager
Volunteering Australia
Tel: (03) 9820 4100 Mob: 0412 424 523
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