Hard working volunteers throughout Ipswich and the Somerset will receive deserved recognition and praise, with nominations now open for the 2017 Blair Volunteer Awards.

Held in partnership with Shayne Neumann MP and Volunteer Services Australia, nominations are now open for the 2017 Award which will recognise local volunteers working in a variety of different fields.

“One of the great strengths of Ipswich and the Somerset is the many community groups, sporting clubs, and not-for-profits that make up our local area.

“The work these organisations do is only possible thanks to the dedicated group of volunteers who do incredible work for a variety of causes right throughout the region.

“In conjunction with Volunteering Services Australia, the Blair Volunteer Awards will commend those people who go above and beyond in serving the Ipswich and Somerset communities.

“Volunteers will be recognised across a number of categories, including in sports, youth, seniors, the arts and culture and the MP’s Volunteer of the Year.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some fantastic volunteers over my time as the Member for Blair, and I’d urge anyone who knows someone worthy of recognition to put them forward for an award.

Volunteering Services Australia (VSA) CEO Richard Patterson said that VSA aims to develop, strengthen and connect the community by achieving excellence in volunteering, and business and community development for the mutual benefit of the individual and the wider community

“We look forward to sharing this opportunity with MP Shayne Neumann in recognising local volunteers and celebrating their service and contribution to the community.”

Nominations are open until the 18th of August, 2017. For more information, or to nominate someone, please contact the Blair Electorate Office on (07 3201 5300) or by email on Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au.