South Australian individuals are now eligible for the highest honour, the Joy Noble Medal, which recognises the extraordinary contributions of volunteers in this State.
Minister for Volunteers, Ian Hunter, has announced new ways the SA Government will recognise the invaluable work that volunteers, community organisations and businesses make to South Australian communities.
“The Joy Noble Medal previously recognised volunteers in Government programs. Now all individual volunteers across the State are eligible to apply.”
“The South Australian Volunteer Awards aim to shine a light on those who embrace volunteering and really make a difference.”
“There are more than 830,000 volunteers in this State who selflessly donate their time and energy to help communities in need,” Minister Hunter said.
The 2012 South Australian Volunteer Awards have been redesigned to better recognise the many ways support is provided to the community.
“For the first time, South Australia’s business sector will also be recognised for their corporate social responsibility activities through a new Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.
“There are excellent examples of private businesses giving back to the community that we want to encourage; this helps to ensure that all South Australians can share in the State’s prosperity,” he said.
“Previously, we’ve recognised corporate organisations for their support for volunteering. CMI Toyota was last year’s winner of the Premier’s Business Award in Volunteering, for its long standing support of Adelaide Conservation Volunteers.
“We understand that businesses support the community in many ways, such as through philanthropy and partnerships. This new award gives us the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge this contribution.” Minister Hunter said.
The ‘Andamooka’ award recognises communities, or groups of volunteers, that have undertaken a community project resulting in significant community benefit.
Since the creation of this awar,d many wonderful projects have been recognised. Last year’s winner was an International Women’s Group at Modbury Uniting Church, who provide a safe environment in which women of diverse backgrounds can learn and practice new skills aimed at assisting them to settle and feel welcome in Australia.
“Anyone can put forward a nomination for these awards and I strongly encourage people to do so to honour outstanding community contributions,” Mr Hunter said.
To nominate or find out more about the awards, visit the Office for Volunteers website at www.ofv.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8463 4490.
Applications close on Friday, 11 May 2012, and the winners will be announced at a volunteers celebration event at the Festival Theatre on Monday, 11 June 2012.