By BRIDGET SCOTT
IT’S that time of the year again where local people can take the chance to thank those who have made their community what it is today.
Nominations will now be taken for the Casey Volunteer Awards, with people encouraged to nominate individuals, groups and organisations.
Nominations will remain open until Monday 23 March, which recognise those who have contributed to the community or have had a positive impact on the lives of their fellow residents.
The theme for this year’s awards will be ‘Give Happy, Live Happy, with the winners announced in the lead-up to National Volunteer Week, held between 11 and 17 May.
City of Casey Mayor Mick Morland commended all the volunteers in the Casey community.
“Not only are volunteers contributing to making the lives of everyone around them happier, but research also shows that those who volunteer are happier as a result,” he said.
“While most volunteers consider the sense of fulfilment they get from helping others enough of a reward, council likes to recognise those who go above and beyond for their community.”
Councillor Morland encouraged people to support the awards and nominate who they believe is a worthy recipient.
“There might be a remarkable volunteer who stands out to you straight away or it may be an individual, group or organisation that has positively impacted your life in Casey without you even realising,” he said.
“The Casey Volunteer Awards are a small way we can say thanks for what they do, so I urge you to think about the volunteers in your life and get nominating.”
The five categories for the Casey Volunteer Awards are: Casey Individual Volunteer Award (open age) Casey Young Volunteer Award (under 25 years of age) Casey Volunteering Pair Award (a team of two whose volunteering is viewed in conjunction with the other) Casey Volunteer Group Award (a group consisting of all volunteers) Casey Volunteer Organisation Award (an organisation that employs paid staff and engages volunteers).
Nominations close at 4pm on Monday 23 March. To nominate for the awards or to find out more visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/volunteerawards.
