Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 26 March, 2015. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Nominate someone who makes a difference

Now in their sixth year, the volunteer awards recognise the contribution made to the community by volunteers.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Dennis Patterson said volunteers are the lifeblood of the community.

“Volunteers work across a wide range of sectors, including emergency services, education, sport, environment, the arts and many more,” Cr Patterson said.

“Last year’s winners volunteered across a range of sectors and made a wonderful contribution to all areas of our society.

“I strongly encourage anyone who knows of a volunteer to nominate them for an award so they can be recognised for their contribution to our community.”

2014 Male Youth Volunteer winner Steven Granger said encouraged people to nominate.

“The generosity, sincerity and passion of the people I had the pleasure of meeting at the 2014 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Awards was contagious and really made me ask myself 'What more can I do to be a positive contributor towards the community?” Mr Granger said.

“The volunteers I spoke to said that the reason that the community is so important to them is because that's how they were brought up, to help one another.

“Receiving youth volunteer of the year was an honour, but like all volunteers, I believe there is always someone more deserving.

“Youth involvement in the community is something I feel very strongly about, as it's been said before, we are the future of the region. The recognition I have received since receiving the award has encouraged people to get in touch and ask how they can get involved which is honestly the best outcome.”

There are six categories for the awards; volunteer team, male volunteer, female volunteer, female and male youth volunteer (for people aged up to 25) and rural volunteer (for towns with under 5,000 residents).

Nominations for the awards close 17 April 2015

An awards presentation will be held during National Volunteer Week in May. Nomination forms are available from www.greatershepparton.com.au, from Council’s Customer Service Counter, or by contacting Council’s Neighbourhoods Department on (03) 5832 9700.