Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today recognised and thanked volunteers across Bonner for their outstanding contribution to Australian society.

“Volunteers are the glue that hold Australian communities together. They perform a range of important work in a variety of areas across all walks of life,” Mr Vasta said.

“Whether it be the volunteer coach of your child’s sporting team, or the person who delivers meals on wheels to your elderly mother, most Australians benefit from the work of volunteers.”

 The valuable contribution made by volunteers in Bonner and throughout Australia will be recognised and celebrated in National Volunteer Week (NVW), 9 – 15 May 2011.

National Volunteer Week provides a platform to pay tribute to the volunteers who give generously of their time and energy to benefit others.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the voluntary sector in Australia, and in 2011 we can recognise in particular the significant role of volunteers in the wake of the devastating floods in Queensland and other parts of Australia. Our communities would not be the same without volunteers,” Mr Vasta said.

2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer, and the 2011 National Volunteer Week theme, “Inspiring the Volunteer in You” is all about encouraging people to get involved in volunteering.

“Everyone has something to offer as a volunteer, and every contribution, no matter how big or small, is extremely valuable. I encourage all Australians to do whatever they can to support volunteers, get involved in National Volunteer Week 2011 and find out more about opportunities to contribute to their local communities through volunteering.” Mr Vasta said.

For further information on National Volunteer Week visit www.nationalvolunteerweek.com.au

Ross Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner, has today encouraged voluntary organisations in Bonner to apply for the 2011 round of Volunteer Grants, which opened this week.

Volunteer grants were first introduced by the Howard Government in recognition of the valuable contribution voluntary groups make to the community. 2011 marks the tenth year of their operation. The grants provide funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to voluntary organisations to:

• Purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help volunteers
• Contribute to the reimbursement of fuel costs for their volunteers who use their own car to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need
• Contribute to the reimbursement of transport costs incurred by volunteers with disability who are unable to drive
• Contribute to the costs of training courses and/or undertake background screening checks for volunteers.

“Volunteers and voluntary organisations have helped shape Australia through their work in the community,” Mr Vasta said.

“These grants will provide welcome support to voluntary organisations in Bonner.”

Applications for the grants close on the 8th June.

For further information on Volunteer Grants, call 1800 183 374 or email vg2011@fahcsia.gov.au.