New England Volunteer Awards launch

As National Volunteer Week fast approaches, Armidale Regional Council is urging the community to nominate local volunteers for the 2021 New England Volunteer Awards.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley was joined by General Manager James Roncon today to officially launch the awards, along with representatives from the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service (AVRS), the Uniting Church and the Alwyn Jones Community Service Award Committee.

Cr. Tiley said the awards are an opportunity to recognise the wonderful work our local volunteers do.

“Volunteering is the essence of every community, and it is important to recognise the selfless people who dedicate their time to bettering our region,” said Cr. Tiley.

“These awards are one way we can show our thanks while also promoting the important role that volunteers play in our community.”

The New England Volunteer Awards will be held on Tuesday 18 May during National Volunteer Week, which runs from 17 – 23 May.

The two awards that will be presented at the ceremony are the AVRS Awards, and the Alwyn Jones Community Service Award.

“The AVRS Awards recognise noteworthy volunteers within the community,” said Cr Tiley.

“Nominees will be chosen for their contribution to our community and their vision in implementing their skills and dedication to the tasks they have performed as volunteers.”

The five categories for the AVRS awards are Youth (24 years and younger), Adult (25 – 64 years), Senior (65 years plus), Team, and Management.

The Alwyn Jones Community Service Award is presented to an individual or organisation demonstrating an ongoing commitment to voluntary community service within the Armidale Regional Council area.

“This award is named after Alwyn Jones, a prominent volunteer who is best remembered for his contribution to the development of street trees in Armidale from the 1940s to the late 1990s,” said Cr Tiley.

“Mr Jones’ contribution is just one example of the wonderful outcomes that are a result of the work that volunteers do.”

The award has been presented annually since 2005 and is sponsored jointly by Armidale Regional Council and the Armidale Uniting Church.

To nominate someone for an award, visit the Volunteers page on Council’s website and complete the online form here. Nominations close Tuesday 27 April.

For more information, or if you would like a hard copy of the form, contact Council’s AVRS coordinator Jane Davies at [email protected] or call 6770 3838.

Published on 10 Mar 2021