Volunteer Week 2013

22 May 2013 12:51 PMMichael Hart

 

 

“Thanks a million” to Burleigh Volunteers

 

In 2012 more than 40,000 Queensland volunteers dedicated more than 27 million minutes last year to keeping the community safe.

 

“These people are the real heroes in our communities and you only have to look at the hard work they put in during recent natural disasters to see the difference they make to our great state.”

 

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart MP said National Volunteer Week (May 13-19) is the time to recognise their efforts and this year’s theme is “thanks a million.”

 

“I would like to say “thanks a million” to the tens of thousands of volunteers across Queensland, as a volunteer surf life saver I understand their commitment and dedication,” Mr Hart said.

 

To get a greater appreciation for the often thankless work they do Mr Hart offered to volunteer for a shift with the team at the Burleigh ambulance station.

 

He said the experience was an invaluable insight into the hard work that our service men and woman do on a day-to-day basis.

 

“I would also like to encourage anyone else thinking of becoming a volunteer to take up the challenge.”

 

Volunteering Qld CEO Perry Hembury said National Volunteer Week was a time to celebrate the contribution of all Queensland’s 1.2 million volunteers.

 

“The value of volunteering cannot be overstated – participation through people’s time, skills and passion adds to a proud culture of giving in our society, contributing more to the economy than most high-profile industries,” Mr Hembury said.

 

Mr Hart took the opportunity to visit the board and volunteers of Volunteering Gold Coast this week and thanked them for their tireless efforts in Burleigh and on the Gold Coast.

 

“The work Volunteering Gold Coast does to assist the community is irreplaceable and they have my full support for their future endeavours.”

 

[ENDS] 15 May 2013