Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

() (): I'm pleased to formally launch the 2018 Newcastle Volunteer Service Awards in the Australian parliament today as part of National Volunteer Week. This will be the fifth time that I've hosted these awards, and they continue to be one of the most rewarding and, indeed, inspiring events in my annual calendar. Volunteers are, of course, the lifeblood of our community, but too often they don't get the recognition they deserve. The most recent census data showed that, despite our increasingly busy lives, more Novocastrians are volunteering than ever before. Last year's awards were the biggest yet, with over 100 fabulous volunteers recognised, but I think we can do even better. I would encourage today all Novocastrians to take just five minutes out from their busy lives to nominate someone they know, one of the selfless, hardworking, generous people who give so much of their time to help build strong, resilient and cohesive communities in Newcastle. I can't imagine our communities without your input and your help. It gives me great pleasure, and I know it gives the community at large great pleasure, just to be able to stop, hit the pause button on our busy lives and take some time to recognise you for your efforts. To find out more, visit my website, sharonclaydon.com, or phone my office on 49261555. (Time expired)