Help reward outstanding volunteers

By Jim Mynard
RESIDENTS have been invited to nominate outstanding volunteers for the Casey Community Volunteer Awards 2007.
Nominations close at 5pm on Thursday, 1 March.
Casey’s manager of youth and community development, Janette Green, said the awards were a significant way in which the council could officially recognise the contributions volunteers made to community organisations and to the municipality.
Awards will be presented to the most outstanding volunteers in the categories of family and community support, sport and recreation, arts and cultural activities, environment and conservation, and young volunteer.
Also, an innovation award will go to a community organisation, group or business, that implements projects, programs or partnerships that encourage volunteering and community participation.
“We are very fortunate in Casey to have such high numbers of dedicated people who give selflessly of their time, skills and knowledge for the betterment of the whole community,” Ms Green said.
“This good work, and the inspiration it provides others deserves formal recognition.”
Ms Green said the positive impact volunteering had on the community was well demonstrated by the Berwick Opportunity Shop.
“The shop has donated almost $1 million to agencies and organisations over the past five years,” Ms Green said.
“The $1 million target of the Berwick Op Shop is phenomenal, particularly given that most of the money is collected in small change.
“This is recycling at its prime when residents donate unwanted goods, that are sorted, prepared and sold by volunteers and purchased by other residents, with the money being donated to assist those in need.
“It is the ultimate example of community teamwork achieving great things.
“Team members at Berwick Op Shop are among the many volunteers in Casey who are members of that amazing international army that keeps the wheels of society turning through their generosity.”
Nomination forms or further information is available on 9705 5200 or visit the council’s website at www.casey.vic.gov.au/volunteers.