Spotlight to shine on region’s volunteers

Busselton and Dunsborough volunteers will be in the spotlight at next week’s annual Volunteer of the Year recognition awards.

Held during National Volunteer week and organised by the Busselton-Dunsborough Volunteer Centre and the City of Busselton, the awards aim to celebrate the achievements of the region’s many volunteers.

Seventeen volunteers have been nominated across four categories, each with prizes totalling $400.

Volunteer centre co-ordinator Carl Holroyd highlighted the valuable contribution of volunteers and urged others to get involved during volunteer week.

“The importance of volunteers cannot be underestimated,” he said.

“Some of our most vital community services, elderly care and transport, rural firefighting services and environmental awareness programs, rely heavily on a volunteer workforce.”

Figures show 6.1 million, or almost a quarter of Australians volunteer in their communities.

Research also indicates volunteering is linked to greater health and happiness.

This year the awards have been extended to recognise the roles volunteers undertake for tourism and the events industry and cover four categories: The Harvey Norman open award, the Geographe Camping and Tackle World seniors’ award, the Apex youth award and the Rotary tourism and events award.

The awards will be held on Monday from 5pm at the Geographe Bay Yacht Club reception rooms with support from Volunteering WA and Lotterywest.