New badge of honour for volunteers

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney has today announced a new award program to honour volunteers who have achieved 50 years or more of voluntary service with a Western Australian organisation.

  • New award program to recognise WA volunteers
  • Volunteers with 50 years of service to be honoured
  • Estimated to be more than 300 people

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney has today announced a new award program to honour volunteers who have achieved 50 years or more of voluntary service with a Western Australian organisation.

The launch of the prestigious volunteering service badge is in line with the State Government's commitment to volunteering detailed in the Vital Volunteering 2011-2016 strategy that aims to encourage West Australians from a range of backgrounds and age groups to engage in volunteering.

"The badges, which I will award jointly with the Premier, will ensure the vital role of volunteering is recognised at the highest levels of Government," Mrs McSweeney said.

"In 2011, it is projected that Western Australia's volunteers will be contributing up to 288 million hours of volunteering that is worth up to $9.4billion to our State's economy.

The badge will be awarded through nomination by a volunteer organisation, confirming an individual has provided 50 years or more of service to their organisation. Volunteers in the community sector, the State Government, or within a local government program or service are eligible and it is estimated this may include more than 300 people.

Organisations conduct their own award programs recognising long service. Volunteers who have received long service awards through organisational award programs will also be eligible to receive a Western Australian Volunteer Service Badge.

"The Premier and I are keen to raise the profile of volunteering in WA, and it is important the invaluable work of our volunteers is acknowledged, not only by the Government, but across our communities. This program is a tangible way to acknowledge these contributions," the Minister said.

      Fact File

  • Presentation of the inaugural Western Australian Volunteer Service Badge program will coincide with Thank a Volunteer Day on December 4, 2011.
  • Nomination details are available on the Department for Communities' website


Minister's office  - 9222 8950