30 July 2014

Thanking our volunteers

There are over 600,000 volunteers in Western Australia contributing a variety of skills to their local communities. To thank these important and hard-working people, the State Government invites applications for the ‘Thank a Volunteer Day’ grants program.

Peter Katsambanis MLC, Liberal Member for North Metropolitan Region, recognises and thanks volunteers regularly due to the value they add to society.

“Volunteers provide the backbone of our community and sporting groups. They are always around to help others, be it at the local footy club, fire and emergency services, seniors’ group or charity organisations.” Mr Katsambanis said.

“It is very important to recognise and thank volunteers for the value they add to the cohesion of our community. For example, like many other areas, without volunteers grassroots sport simply does not exist.

“I am very proud to be the Patron for the Wembley Amateur Football Club. Each month I sponsor the Volunteer of the Month Award, which is just a small way to recognise and say thank you to those who tirelessly contribute behind the scenes.”

According to the latest Census, around 35 per cent of West Australians over the age of 18 volunteer each year. There are around 16,000 volunteer organisations across our state.

The State Government provides more than $1.2million a year to the volunteering sector.

“I strongly urge our local volunteers to take up the opportunity to apply for a grant to host an event to celebrate ‘Thank a Volunteer Day’ held on Friday 5 December.” Mr Katsambanis concluded.

The ‘Thank a Volunteer Day’ grants program provides up to $1,000 to eligible community organisations and local governments. Funds can be used for various activities including award ceremonies, workshops, barbecues and day trips.

Applications for these grants close on Friday 8 August 2014.  For more information, visit http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/grants.