SAMFORD COMMUNITY GROUP SHORT-LISTED FOR THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Samford First Responder Group has been short-listed for the National Volunteer Awards and is encouraging the local community to support its nomination in the People’s Choice Awards. The People’s Choice Awards are a new category in the National Volunteer Awards, which enable members of the community to vote for their 'favourite' volunteer group.
So, just who are the Samford First Responder Group? They are a group of volunteers working in co-operation with the Queensland Ambulance Service that are responded to medical and accident emergencies in the Samford area. Already, since its inception in February of this year, they've attended over 150 calls!!
The National Volunteer Awards are an initiative of the National Australia Bank and comprise nine categories. The Samford First Responder Group has been nominated in the "Emergency and Safety" category and the local community can get behind them by visiting the “Community- Volunteer Awards” section of www.national.com.au and voting. Voting closes on Friday, 10 October 2003.
Mr Maurie Tolley,
spokesperson for the group, said it was a great honour to be short-listed for
the People’s Choice Awards section of the National Volunteer Awards.
“The National Volunteer Awards attracts thousands of entries from around the
country and to be recognised is a tribute to those in our community who have
generously given their time to help the Samford First Responder Group.” Mr
Tolley said.
The National’s Executive
General Manager, Financial Services Australia, Ian MacDonald, said the National
Volunteer Awards are designed to acknowledge and reward volunteers for the
fantastic work they do within the local community.
“I would encourage the community to show their support for their locally
nominated group by voting for them in the People’s Choice Awards.” Mr.
MacDonald said.
More than 2,700 community groups nominated for this year’s Awards. The top 20 groups from each category made up the short-list for the People’s Choice Awards.
There will be nine People's Choice Award winners, with one group in each category receiving an award. The groups which receive the most votes in each category will be awarded the People’s Choice Award and receive $2,500 from the National to be used for the organisation's activities.
Since their inception in 1997, the National Volunteer Awards have grown to become one of Australia's largest and most successful programs to promote, encourage and recognise volunteers. The Awards are open to local or regional not-for-profit clubs, groups or organisations active in a local Australian community during the past 12 months
The 180 People’s Choice nominees are also eligible to progress to the next stage of judging – the state finals. Winners across each of the nine categories from the seven states and combined territories – 63 in all – will receive $7000 for their community group. State winners will be announced in November.
The state/territory winners ranked the highest by the judges will become the national winner of their respective category and receive an additional $3000. National winners will be announced on the 5 December 2003.
For further details and terms and conditions on the Awards go to “Community- Volunteer Awards” section of www.national.com.au or visit the Samford First Responder website at www.SamfordFRG.aesvn.org.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS - GET VOTING!!!!