Last chance to nominate for the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award

The Hon. Graham West MP Minister for Juvenile Justice Minister for Youth and Volunteering Member for Campbelltown

With entries closing on 30th September, this is the last chance to nominate for the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award.

"This is a great opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution that volunteers make to our community," Minister for Volunteering, Graham West, said.

"Services that we take for granted would struggle to meet community needs and expectations if it were not for these community-minded people," Mr West said.

Tony Ross, Acting CEO of The Centre for Volunteering, which is coordinating the Award Program in conjunction with regional Volunteer Centres, said entries are now coming in at the rate of over ten per day.

"We are very pleased with the number of applications and support the Awards are receiving throughout NSW. The caliber of the nominations will make it difficult to select just one State winner but it continues to show the value that communities place on their volunteers."

Mr West said the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award is a unique opportunity to recognise and publicly acknowledge the invaluable contributions given by the 1.7 million volunteers in NSW.

"It showcases some of the State's extraordinary volunteers who positively contribute their time and energy to not – for – profit organisations in NSW communities," Mr West said.

There are four categories in the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award: Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Senior Volunteer of the Year and Corporate Volunteer of the Year.

Selection will take place on a regional basis with Regional Award Ceremonies taking place between mid-October and mid-November. The four State winners will be announced at a ceremony at Sydney's Parliament House on 5 December (International Volunteer Day). Nominations can be made online at www.volunteering.com.au .

More Information
Media contacts: Cara Davis 0407 219 944 – Minister West
Kristin Romanis
Communications Manager, The Centre for Volunteering
T: 8267 6309 or 0412 313 359
E: kromanis@volunteering.com.au

About The Centre for Volunteering
The Centre for Volunteering is the peak body for volunteering in NSW. The Centre promotes and supports volunteering and community participation through volunteer referral, advocacy, research, policy and resource development, training, information and education services enhance the capacity and skills of volunteers, not-for-profits, corporations and government to become involved in the community. Visit www.volunteering.com.au