(NAB) Volunteer Awards, 2006 - enter now

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, encourages volunteer groups in the Benalla Electorate to nominate for the recently opened National Australia Bank (NAB) Volunteer Awards, 2006.

Dr Sykes is confident local groups would have a good chance, “We certainly have some worthy contenders in the area and the recognition and prize money would make it well worth the effort!

“There is a pool of $364,000 worth of prize money. The State winner of each category will receive $7,000 to go towards continuing the group’s work and an additional $3,000 if they take out the National Award.

The Benalla SES was awarded the State and National title in 2005 in the emergency and safety category.

“The awards recognise and reward the tireless efforts of the many valuable volunteer groups that keep our community strong. We depend on a wide range of community groups for support, safety, education, sports and recreation, to name just a few… and these are the kinds of organisations that make me proud to be part of this region.

“To be eligible for a National Australia Bank Volunteer Award the nominated group must be able to demonstrate ‘best practice’ in managing their volunteers, have a not-for-profit status, have operated within the Australian community for the past 12 months, and provide a reference letter supporting the work of the volunteer group.”

There are seven award categories:

Arts and Culture – for organisations involved in artistic and cultural activities to promote community expression and/or development of their culture;

Community Service and Development – for organisations responding to community needs, relevant group activities could include advocacy, community awareness programs and services and development of community support structures;

Education and Youth Development – for groups involved in the education and training of all members of our community from childhood to old age;

Emergency and Safety – for service groups primarily focused on community safety, emergency situations and safety initiatives, this category also covers all forms of rescue, fire fighting, life-saving, emergency response and support services;

Environment and Wildlife – for organisations that contribute to the protection and preservation of Australia’s environment and heritage or promote and protect animal welfare;

Health and Wellbeing – for groups involved with attaining the highest possible level of health and wellbeing for all people; and

Tourism, Sport and Recreation – for community based groups and organisations involved in heritage, tourism, sport, fitness outdoor and community recreation.

“Nominations close Wednesday, 28 June 2006 and application booklets are available from my office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla, or they can be downloaded from www.national.com.au/community.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “It would be great to see local groups being recognised in this vitally important area… so have a go.”