As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week 2012 (14 – 20 May), the Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, is calling on locals to nominate for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award.

“These annual awards, run by the Centre for Volunteering, recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of the 2 million plus volunteers in NSW,” Mr Fraser said.

"The awards recognise exceptional volunteers in several categories, including youth, senior, team, corporate and volunteer management.  Regional winners will be selected in October and November with State winners announced on International Volunteer Day, 5 December.

“I know there are many generous volunteers in the Coffs Harbour electorate who would be worthy nominees for these awards.  The passion and commitment of our volunteers brings people together and makes our community stronger.

“I hope these awards not only raise the profile of our dedicated volunteers but also encourage more people to think about how they can give back to their community," Mr Fraser added.

Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello said the NSW Government has increased its funding of the NSW Volunteer of the Year awards to $30,000 a year.

“Thanks to this additional funding, the 19 regional award winners will receive greater recognition, including local award ceremonies and prizes,” Mr Dominello said.

“Volunteers in NSW contribute more than 240 million hours of voluntary work each year, estimated to be worth a remarkable $5 billion.  They also play a vital role in promoting community harmony and strength.

“That’s why we’re investing $4.5 million in a new Volunteer Strategy that will help make it easier for people to volunteer.

“If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or starting a volunteer program at your work, please visit the new and improved website at www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au.”

For more information on the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards and to nominate, visit www.nswvolunteerawards.com. Nominations close 31 August for individual and team categories, or 31 October for corporate and volunteer management categories.

Coffs Harbour artists and cultural groups will have the chance to learn about funding opportunities at an information session on the 2013 Arts Funding Program held by Arts NSW later this month, the Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, said. 

“The 2013 Arts Funding Program will support a wide range of arts and cultural activities, programs and projects in metropolitan, regional and rural parts of the State, and play a key role in ensuring NSW remains the creative capital of Australia,” Mr Fraser said.

“Creative arts can have many positive benefits for both local residents and our community. They harness individual talent and promote creativity, inspire innovation, and contribute to cultural tolerance and community identity.

“I strongly encourage local artists and cultural groups to attend the local Arts NSW briefing to be held at the Coffs Harbour City Council Chambers on Friday 25th May at 11.00am," Mr Fraser continued.

Minister for the Arts, George Souris, said the 2013 Arts Funding Program will provide a range of grants for arts and cultural facilities, regional conservatoriums, annual programs, the development and presentation of new artistic works, and for performing arts companies to take their productions on the road to regional NSW.

“The program covers the full range of grants, from annual and multiyear program funding to one-off project grants and support for key groups such as young people, Aboriginal arts and culture, culturally and linguistically diverse people and access and disability projects,” Mr Souris said.

Interested artists and groups can register to attend the briefing session by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Further information on the range of grants available and how to apply can be found in the 2013 NSW Arts Funding Program Guide, which is available online at www.arts.nsw.gov.au.