Each year on December 5, International Volunteer Day is celebrated in Western Australia and around the world, thanking dedicated and selfless volunteers for their outstanding efforts and raising awareness of the important contributions of volunteers.
In WA, approximately four out of five Western Australians aged 15 years and over volunteer each year and donate their time to the community, providing an immeasurable contribution to this State.
Many community services and programs that are supported by volunteers help those who are experiencing hardship. These programs have such a positive impact on the wellbeing of numerous Western Australians.
The Department of Communities provides grants to organisations around the State each year to host events for International Volunteer Day, known as Thank a Volunteer Day in WA. This year, $29,781 in grants were provided to 33 organisations to host events to acknowledge and thank their volunteers.
In celebration of International Volunteer Day, nominations are now open for the WA Volunteer Service Awards Program. This program acknowledges the significant efforts of WA's volunteers that have served 25 years or more service.
Nominate a long-standing volunteer online at http://www.wa.gov.au/wa-volunteer-service-awards
As stated by Volunteering Minister Mick Murray:
"Volunteers are the glue which holds our communities together and it is important to take the time to say 'thank you' for their tireless efforts.
"Many of this year's Thank a Volunteer Day events thanked volunteers who helped keep our communities going during the COVID-19 pandemic and such unprecedented times.
"The State Government acknowledges and thanks the extraordinary efforts of everyday Western Australians in our communities who help improve the lives of others."
