Awards bring a vote of thanks

Last year's volunteer award joint winners, Sue Chanter and Liseby Lapierre, and Casey Young Volunteer Mark Morante. Pictures: ROB CAREW 138794

WHO makes you proud?
That’s the question the City of Casey is asking residents, as it opens nominations for the, 2016 Casey Volunteer Awards.
Now in its 16th year, the awards recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have made a positive difference in Casey.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz encouraged residents to say ‘thank you’ to a volunteer by nominating them for a 2016 award.
“There are many unsung heroes in our community whose efforts often go unrecognised. This is your chance to thank a volunteer who has made a positive impact to Casey,” Cr Aziz said.
“Their volunteering contribution may be large or small, in anything from sport to the environment – every bit helps make our community stronger and a better place to live.
“Research suggests that more than six million Australians volunteer annually, contributing a combined value of $25.4 billion to the Australian economy,” he added.
Casey volunteer award categories include:
* Individual Volunteer Award – open age.
* Casey Young Volunteer Award – under 25 years of age.
* Casey Volunteering Pair Award – a team of two whose volunteering contribution is viewed in conjunction with the other.
* Casey Volunteer Group Award – a group consisting of all volunteers.
* Casey Volunteer Organisation Award – an organisation that employs paid staff and engages volunteers.
Nominations close at 4pm on Monday 21 March, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in May.
To nominate visit: www.casey.vic.gov.au/volunteerawards