WANTED! NOMINEES FOR QUEENSLAND’S YOUNG VOLUNTEER AWARDS

The Queensland Government is looking for outstanding young people who have made a significant contribution to the community through their volunteering efforts.

Premier Peter Beattie today announced the opening of nominations for the Queensland Young Volunteer Awards 2007.

Mr Beattie said young Queenslanders aged between 12 and 25 who were currently involved in volunteering activities were eligible to be nominated for the awards.

“These awards provide the opportunity to recognise and reward outstanding volunteer efforts by young Queenslanders, and increase awareness about their growing contribution to the volunteering community,” he said.

“Volunteering is important in many ways. Without the contribution of our volunteers we would be very much the poorer.

“The figures are quite staggering. A detailed report released earlier this month valued the efforts of volunteering in Queensland at more than $16 billion a year which is the equivalent of 387,000 jobs.

“Young volunteers play an important part in that overall effort, and we want to acknowledge their contribution and encourage them to continue.”

Acting Minister for Communities and Youth Kerry Shine said recognising the voluntary contributions of young Queenslanders helped to create role models who, in turn, could inspire and encourage other members of the community to get involved.

“I encourage community leaders and organisations throughout Queensland to nominate a young person or group of young people they believe deserve to be recognised as part of the Queensland Young Volunteer Awards,” Mr Shine said.

Entries close on Friday, 23 February 2007. Eight winners will each receive $2000 presented at a special award ceremony in Brisbane during National Youth Week in April next year.

For more information about the awards and to download a nomination form, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au

Media contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500

Minister’s Office Joe Begley 3235 4286

December 27, 2006