VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

Volunteer recognition is a critical part of our role.

The Association believes awards are a vital part of ensuring we recognise and retain volunteers. While there are several state wide intiiatives in place, it is important that each unit also pursue appropriate opportunities to recognise and thank its members.

A Message to Emergency Service Volunteers from Australia's Attorney General

In recognition of the valuable contribution of volunteers to the emergency management sector in Australia, the Federal Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP has recorded a thank you message from the Australian Government to these volunteers, their employers and self-employed volunteers. To read a transcript of the Attorney General's thank you, click here. For more information, visit www.ema.gov.au/volunteers.

Australian Safer Communities Awards These awards are conducted by Emergency Management Australia and seek to nominate community groups and individuals who make our communities safer places in which to live. The very great majority of candidates for these awards are volunteers.

National Honours Award Scheme - are given out twice a year by the Governor-General in her capacity as Head of State. These awards are issued from Canberra to publicly recognize, reward and celebrate achievement and service. They are a way the community - through the Government - can acknowledge and express gratitude for the inspiring work many volunteers and their organisations perform. Know of an Australian who has rendered outstanding achievements to the community through their voluntary activity? Why not nominate them for an Australian Honours Award?

Local Hero Awards - as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship sponsors the Local Hero Award. These awards recognise the enormous contribution of so many Australian citizens who selflessly work to make their local community a better place.

Community Achievement Awards for Tasmania - about recognising individuals, organisations and groups who are making a difference in our local communities and our State. There can never be enough encouragement and support for those working towards making our State a better place. Awards such as these create an opportunity to say thank you to those who work tirelessly to develop and improve in their chosen field of endeavour.

International Volunteer Day - December 5th each year, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. The first International Volunteer Day was celebrated in l986 by dozens of countries. In Australia, International Volunteer Day has been designated as a day for the recognition of volunteer involvement; a day in which organisations can thank their volunteer staff.

National Volunteer Week (May 1- to 16 2010) - provides a national focus for organisations wanting to recruit volunteers and promote the value of volunteering to the community. Each year, Volunteering Australia adopts a different theme that is launched during the week and used for the following 12 months. Any organisation involving volunteers is welcome to participate in the week and use the theme to promote volunteering in their local area.

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

Some ways that volunteer organisations can give recognition to their volunteers include:

Have a structured orientation for new volunteers.

Make sure everyone's picture is on vGate so new volunteers can put names to faces.

Encourage volunteer participation in unit planning.

Delegate responsibility for unit management.

Include volunteers in special events.

Recommend volunteers to prospective employers and provide letters of recommendation or references

Maintain Occupational Health and Safety standards.

Take the time to explain and listen to volunteer's ideas and concerns.

Recognise and accommodate personal needs and problems.

Celebrate achievements and efforts, and make up certificates for awards specific to your unit.

Keep volunteers informed via email or on the vGate station noticeboard.

Send birthday and Christmas cards.

Announce and applaud achievements.

Hold a Christmas Party, weekend picnic or other informal gathering for volunteers and their familes.