This week is National Volunteer Week and Luke Simpkins has paid tribute to all the volunteers throughout Cowan for their outstanding contribution to Australian society.

Speaking at a volunteer recognition ceremony, Mr Simpkins said that volunteers were the backbone of many organisations and our communities would not be the same without them.

“Volunteers give their time in all sorts of ways and in many areas such as emergency services, local sporting groups, community health care, environment and conservation, education and training.

“National Volunteer Week provides a fitting platform to pay tribute to those people who give selflessly of their time and energy to benefit others in their communities.

Mr Simpkins said that National Volunteer Week was a great opportunity for us all to show appreciation for our volunteers, but that it was important to recognise and support the work of volunteers all year round.

“That is why one of the first things I did when I was elected as the MP for Cowan in 2007 was to introduce my Volunteer Recognition Initiative (VRI). Since then I have presented more than one thousand badges and certificates to local volunteers from many different areas including local seniors groups, scout and guide groups, P and Cs, and sporting clubs.

“Many of these clubs and groups would not function without the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who give up their spare time to contribute to their communities,” Mr Simpkins said.

Mr Simpkins is calling on local Community groups in Cowan who have not already been recognised under his Volunteer Recognition Initiative to contact his office with the names of those people who keep the wheels turning, so that their contribution can be acknowledged.

“I also encourage everyone to do whatever they can to support volunteers and perhaps become volunteers themselves,” he said.

To register for VRI call the office of Luke Simpkins on 9409 4100. For further information on volunteering visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org.