Sport and Recreation Volunteers recognised in Brisbane Awards Ceremony: Spence

Sport Minister Judy Spence last night hosted a Valuing Volunteers in Sport and Recreation Award Ceremony in Brisbane at QEII Stadium, recognising the outstanding contribution of sports volunteers who have given a cumulative total of 330 years service to Queensland sport.

The volunteers included Gil Voysey who has supported Easts Hockey Club, the Eastern Suburbs Sporting Association, the Brisbane Vets Hockey and Queensland Vets Hockey for forty years.

Bob Ray, who was made a life member of South Rugby Club in 2000. was honoured for his many years of service to the club and John Corlass was acknowledged for the 32 years of service he has contributed to the Yeronga Football Club.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the sport and recreation industry. Without them, our local sports grounds would be empty and our children would miss out on community sport,” Ms Spence said.

"Last night’s ceremony acknowledged the role volunteers play in sporting clubs and organisations, within the Southside area and across Queensland.

"Anybody is able to nominate volunteers in their local community who they feel should be recognised for the contribution they have made to sport and recreation.

"In Queensland we have the highest rate of volunteerism in the country.

“More than 185,000 adults volunteer with Queensland sport and recreation organisations each year, providing approximately 28.4 Million volunteer hours at our sporting fields, ovals, courts, pools, halls, beaches, rivers, bikeways and parks.

“By providing sport and recreation opportunities in clubs across Queensland, these volunteers play a vital role in assisting Queenslanders of all ages to lead healthy active lifestyles, and help build a culture that promotes fun, safe and fair junior sporting environments.

"They are the coaches, board members, time keepers, officials and first aid officers. They work in our canteens on match days, run fundraisers for grass roots sport and devote hours of their own time to improve sport and recreation opportunities for all Queenslanders.

"Without these volunteers, many small sport and recreation clubs and even major sporting bodies would be at a loss."

Ms Spence said 30 volunteers were presented with an award last night.

"30 of our most outstanding volunteers, who epitomise what being a volunteer is all about, were recognised for their dedication to sport," Ms Spence said.

"These recipients have gone above and beyond to support and develop the sports they love.

"Some have applied their knowledge in fields of personal expertise to ensure their sports have continued to grow, while others have committed years of their lives to raising funds for their organisations.

"These people are an inspiration to all of us - highlighting the great work being achieved behind the scenes.

“Under our Q2 vision, the Bligh Government has set a 2020 target of increasing the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers, by 50 per cent.

“An important part of achieving this target is recognising and rewarding those volunteers who have already committed their valuable time to serve their local communities.

“By providing recognition for our unsung heroes, such as the canteen helpers, referees, grounds people and many more volunteers across the state who have given up their time, we hope to encourage more Queenslanders to get involved in volunteerism in Queensland,” Ms Spence said.