South Australia will say thank you to the thousands of volunteers who stepped up over the past year to help the state battle bushfires and a global pandemic, as well as running a vast range of community and charitable activities, with nominations now open for the 2021 South Australian Volunteer Awards.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the awards recognise and celebrate the vital role that volunteers play in the wellbeing of our society.
"Throughout one of our most challenging years in living memory, South Australian volunteers have given their time and skills to save lives and property, put food on the table for people in need, and ensure our most vulnerable community members are supported," said Minister Lensink.
"As demand for services grew and some volunteers needed to stay home to protect themselves from COVID-19, we required even more people to rise to the challenge – and that's exactly what happened.
"Nearly 2,500 new South Australian volunteers registered during the peak of the pandemic for relief volunteering positions, and these people were absolutely crucial to our response.
"The Marshall Liberal Government thanks each and every volunteer whose contributions over the past year have improved the wellbeing, safety and inclusivity of our communities."
The prestigious Volunteer Awards will be presented to outstanding South Australians and local businesses at the State Government's annual Volunteers Day Thank You event on 14 June 2021.
Nominations fall into the following categories:
- The Joy Noble Medal – South Australia's highest distinction for an individual
volunteer
- The Premier's Award for Corporate Social Responsibility – recognition of the strong contribution the business sector makes to our communities through philanthropy, partnerships or releasing employees for volunteer service
- The Andamooka Community Project Award – awarded to a community, or group of volunteers, which has undertaken a community project resulting in significant community benefit
- The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award – recognises the dedication and commitment of volunteer managers who support and facilitate the engagement of volunteers, presented in partnership with Volunteering SA&NT.
In addition to the four state awards, volunteers in South Australia can also be recognised with a Premier's Certificate of Recognition for outstanding volunteer service, providing an opportunity for organisations and community groups to acknowledge their most outstanding volunteers by nominating one or more for a certificate.
"We are fortunate to have one of the most dedicated volunteering communities in the nation, with more than 900,000 South Australians giving their time to the community on a regular basis," said Minister Lensink.
"Each year, we take great pride in shining the spotlight on those people who have made a particularly outstanding contribution to South Australia through their volunteering efforts.
"Volunteering is often a selfless act that goes without thanks, but we want to make sure they know their work is noticed and appreciated."
Nominations for the Premier's Certificate of Recognition and South Australian Volunteer Awards close on March 26 and April 6 respectively. Eligibility criteria and applications can be made online at www.dhs.sa.gov.au/services/volunteers/recognition
