Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities, giving many hours of their time, knowledge and expertise to help others.<\/p>\n
Now it\u2019s time to say thank-you and acknowledge these unsung local heroes.<\/p>\n
International Volunteer Day will be held on Tuesday, December 5.<\/p>\n
To mark the contribution of volunteers, The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to nominate hard-working and dedicated volunteers to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Federal Government.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than 6 million Australians put up their hand to help others every year,\u201d Mr Chester said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Gippsland, you will find volunteers helping out in many different areas: assisting sporting groups, responding to emergencies, pitching in at community events and lending a hand to charities to support those most in need.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey volunteer because they want to, not because they want recognition, applause or accolades.<\/p>\n
\u201cInternational Volunteers Day is a day when we can say thank-you, acknowledge their work and show our appreciation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want everyone to take some time to think about who they believe should be recognised for their community work, fill out the nomination form from my website and send it in. It\u2019s a nice way to say \u2018Thanks for what you do for us.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n