National Volunteer Week 13-19 May - ‘One Big Thank You!’ to Queensland volunteers

11 May 2013

Queensland will recognise the efforts of its 1.2 million volunteers and say ‘One Big Thank You!’ during National Volunteer Week, 13-19 May 2013.

Volunteering Qld, in partnership with Westpac, will officially kick off the week of celebrations with the state’s official launch event ‘One Big Thank You!’ led by The Hon Tracy Davis MP, Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, and Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Graham Quirk, on Tuesday 14 May.

‘One Big Thank You!’ will incorporate live speeches, videos and a Skype chat to demonstrate the variety of ways Queenslanders volunteer all around the state.

Guest speakers from community organisations including Palm Beach Youth Music Venture, Special Olympics Queensland, West End Welcomes, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation and the Welcome to Mackay Centre will share first-hand experiences of how ordinary Queenslanders are changing the lives of others through the act of volunteering.

Volunteering Qld CEO, Perry Hembury, says volunteers come from all different ages, backgrounds and professions but are united in their efforts to help the causes they care about.

“The value of volunteering cannot be overstated – participation through people’s time, skills and passion adds to a proud culture of giving in our society, contributing more to the economy than most high-profile industries,” Mr Hembury says.

“When we engage with our community we not only make our world a better place, but also establish a legacy for future generations as a society that values social participation”,

“No matter what phase of our lives we are in, there is a world of opportunity open to each of us through volunteering”.

Head of Westpac Institutional Bank Queensland, Max Morley, added that the Bank is proud to once again partner with Volunteering Qld in recognising and thanking volunteers across the state.

“Westpac also has a long and strong tradition of community involvement and leadership,” Mr Morley said.

“At Westpac, our customers are at the centre of everything we do and each branch is an integral part of the local community. It’s a point of pride to local Westpac staff that they also contribute to the communities in which they live and work.” 

What: One Big Thank You! – Launch of National Volunteer Week in Queensland

When: Tuesday 14 May from 9.15am-11am

Where: Location available upon request 

Why: To recognise and thank Queensland’s 1.2 million volunteers

Media opportunity: The Hon Tracy Davis MP, Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, will be in attendance from 9.15am-9.50am, speaking at 9.33am, and the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Graham Quirk, attending from 9.30am-9.50am and speaking at 9.39am. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Vanessa Codling, Marketing and Communications Officer, Volunteering Qld on 0409 893 372 or 07 3002 7600