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This article was published on Thursday, 14 April, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Time is running out to recognise local volunteers

Now in their seventh year, the volunteer awards recognise the contribution made to the community by volunteers.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Dinny Adem said volunteers are the lifeblood of the community.

“Volunteers work across a wide range of sectors, including emergency services, education, sport, environment, the arts and many more,” Cr Adem said.

“Last year’s winners volunteered across a range of sectors and made a wonderful contribution to all areas of our society.

“I strongly encourage anyone who knows of a volunteer to nominate them for an award so they can be recognised for their contribution to our community.

“We have also introduced a new category, to recognise a long serving volunteer, as well as changing the age ranges of the youth categories to 12-25.”

2015 Male Volunteer winner Damien Stevens encouraged people to nominate.

“If you know an unsung hero in the community, I encourage you to nominate them for a volunteer award,” Mr Stevens said.

“Volunteering provides an opportunity to give back to the community, to bring people together for a common cause and get involved in events and campaigns.

“Being recognised as Male Volunteer of the Year meant a lot, as people don’t volunteer for the recognition but rather because they want to make a difference.”

There are seven categories for the awards; volunteer team, male volunteer, female volunteer, female and male youth volunteer (for people aged up to 25), long serving volunteer and rural volunteer (for towns with under 5,000 residents).

Nominations for the awards close 17 April 2016.

An awards presentation will be held during National Volunteer Week in May. Nomination forms are available from Council’s website from Council’s Customer Service Counter, or by contacting Council’s Neighbourhoods Department on (03) 5832 9700.