Nominations open for awards
People from across the Wimmera will have the chance to recognise outstanding volunteers and volunteer organisations with the launch of Centre for Participation’s 2019 Volunteering Recognition Awards.
The awards are open to nominations from Horsham, Yarriambiack, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Northern Grampians municipalities.
Officials will launch the awards tonight at Wimmera Trade Training Centre in Horsham.
The 2019 Volunteering Recognition Awards will be at Horsham Town Hall on May 17.
Centre for Participation launched the awards, presented every two years, in 2013 to recognise and celebrate the role volunteers play across the region.
It also designed the event to bring together individuals and organisations in acknowledging their outstanding achievements.
Centre for Participation chief executive Julie Pettett said volunteers were the backbone of regional communities.
“These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the remarkable efforts of volunteers, volunteer programs and volunteer-involving organisations that make our communities so vibrant,” she said.
“And this year we are excited to welcome ACE Radio as our major sponsor. We have worked with ACE Radio for many years and are pleased to be partnering with them for the awards.”
Ace Radio Horsham general manager Brendan O’loughlin said ACE, through The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM, were proud to back the awards.
“Everybody knows regional areas are only ever as good as their volunteers,” he said.
“It is no surprise the Wimmera-mallee has some of the highest volunteer participation rates in the country – volunteers are the backbone of our society and together contribute to the magnificent lifestyle we can offer in regional western Victoria.
“With this in mind it really is an easy decision to support these awards and to help acknowledge the tireless contributions made by many in their chosen areas, and encourage even more to get involved in areas where they live.”
The centre is also partnering with Bendigo Bank to introduce a new people’s choice award in 2019.
Nominations open in February, recognising achievements across 12 award categories.
Organisers are planning roadshows for each municipality to help with the nomination process.