Helping hands invited to register for National Australia Bank Volunteer Awards - 3 May 2005

Tuesday, 3 May 2005

Nominations are now open for the 2005 National Australia Bank Volunteer Awards, the community service and volunteer awards program which recognises the efforts of Australia’s 4.4 million volunteers.

Now in its eighth year, these Awards are conducted in association with Volunteering Australia and News Limited Community Newspapers. The National Australia Bank will contribute a total of $364,000 in awards to deserving local and regional volunteer groups with state and national winners recognised in seven categories.

Andrew Gaze, Olympic basketball medallist and National Australia Bank Community Ambassador, said that the spirit of volunteering time and energy to help others is thriving in Australia. “I was both amazed and delighted to learn that more than one in three Australian adults donate time to volunteering each year,” he said.

This year one winner will be chosen in every state and the combined territories for each of the following categories: Art and Culture; Community Service and Development; Education and Youth Development; Emergency and Safety; Environment and Wildlife; Health and Wellbeing; and Sport and Recreation. An overall national winner will also be selected for each category. The Awards are judged independently by recognised community leaders.

Sha Cordingly, CEO of Volunteering Australia, highlighted the important role volunteer organisations play in our community.

“Community groups have responded to the challenges presented by crises such as drought, bush fires and more recently the tragedy of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. They also play a crucial role in enhancing our local communities by supporting the education of our children, caring for the aged, and keeping our streets safe, the environment clean and our sporting organisations thriving,” Ms Cordingly said.

“The National Australia Bank Volunteer Awards reward the dedication of outstanding grassroots community organisations that have demonstrated best practice volunteering. They provide an opportunity for us to acknowledge their efforts and say thanks.”

Richard Peters, the National’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Australia, added: “We are proud to have seen the National Australia Bank Volunteer Awards develop into Australia’s largest and most successful program to promote, encourage and develop volunteers. The volunteering movement continues to grow and the National’s commitment to this is reflected in our staff volunteering program.”

To nominate a community group or find out more about the Awards and eligibility criteria visit any National Australia Bank branch, call the National Australia Bank Volunteer Awards Helpdesk on 1800 807 121 or visit the ‘Community’ section of www.nab.com.au

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in our communities. National Volunteer Week, to be held 9-15 May, aims to raise the profile of volunteering in Australia and encourage people to volunteer.

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