NSW cheers hero volunteers

16 May 2022

A new initiative recognising the immeasurable contribution of NSW volunteers has been launched to mark the start of National Volunteer Week.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said local volunteers would be presented with Community Heroes Certificates to thank them for the positive difference they make across NSW.

“The Minister’s Community Heroes Certificates are one way we can show our appreciation to volunteers everywhere,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and more recently, the floods highlight the enormous impact volunteers make in supporting our state.

“There are more than 4.9 million volunteers across NSW, and as we celebrate National Volunteer Week this week, I want to thank each and every volunteer for the wonderful work they do for their community.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said National Volunteer Week is a time to give back to those who have given so much to our communities.

“Volunteers are integral to emergency services organisations in NSW. This could not be more evident than through the work of our SES members during the recent floods and RFS volunteers in response to the 2019-20 bush fires,” Ms Cooke said.

“When natural disasters hit volunteers across our emergency services organisations always step up, often putting themselves in harm’s way, to support communities in need.”

The NSW Community Heroes Certificates will be distributed by electorate offices and given by local members to individuals who have been prominent volunteers in their community.

Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor celebrated the commencement of this initiative today, handing out the first of the certificates to local volunteers in the Seven Hills community.

“Volunteers make a remarkable contribution in Seven Hills, ready to put up their hand and help our community,” Mr Taylor said.

“It has been a great opportunity to be able to recognise these community heroes today.”

National Volunteer week will run from 16 to 22 May with this year’s theme, “Better Together”, recognising the impact volunteering has in building and strengthening our communities.