Media Releases

DELAHUNTY SPEAKS ON STATE BUDGET

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:14:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty in Parliament this week spoke on the State budget and said it was focused on securing a future for Victoria.

“I highlighted the fact that this budget is shaped by the economic challenges of the present, and those challenges are real and substantial. The 2012-13 budget is all about rebuilding our state’s finances, and are securing the future of Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Coalition Government has had the unenviable task of cleaning up the financial mess as a result of Labor’s 11 years of mismanagement.”

Mr Delahunty said that there were a number of projects costing the State millions of dollars which include the white elephant of the North South Pipeline, the Desalinisation Plant which is costing nearly $2million per day, and the debacle of the MYKI project.

“All of these factors have an impact on western Victoria.”

“Agriculture has a big bearing on the Lowan electorate and this year’s budget sees an injection of another $61 million into the new agriculture and food industry plan. This is about maximising the opportunities for our farmers. As well as this, there is another $3.4 million to be invested in research and development in the red meat industry and to establish a new red meat innovation centre at Hamilton,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Red meat is one of Victoria’s major agricultural exports in the last year, generating $1.6 billion, so it is very important, particularly to the south-western area of my electorate. Also there is money going into research for the grain industry in Horsham.

“In both areas of my electorate we have dollars coming from this budget.”

Mr Delahunty said there was new rolling stock for our rural and regional railway network as well as another $172 million into regional rail maintenance.

“With this, there is $42 million which will help construct further duplication of the Western Highway. The Coalition is doing more, particularly in the transport sector, which has been crying out for support for many years,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said that there is support for businesses with WorkCover premiums being reduced by an average of 3 per cent from 1 July, which will improve Victoria’s competitive position and particularly help create jobs in western Victoria.

“In this year’s budget there are new measures to protect the most vulnerable of Victorians to meet community needs in health, education and community safety,” Mr Delahunty said.

“To this end, the State Government has put aside $336 million in the budget for child protection services. The Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development has also announced a new capital funding round for early childhood services, this will be welcomed in places like Casterton.”

“The people of my electorate know I am disappointed there was no funding for three schools in the Lowan electorate: Horsham College, Bainbridge College in Hamilton and Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, however I am grateful for the visit of the Minister for Education for visiting many school in western Victoria.”

“The reality is that with the waste of the former Labor government with such things as the $750 million spent on the north south pipeline and the desal plant costing almost $2 million every day so with that $14 million each week, a number of projects such as schools could have been completed,” Mr Delahunty said.

“These are difficult economic times but I believe the Lowan electorate has fared as well as can be expected. I am very proud to represent the Lowan electorate and I will continue to work hard for the people of western Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

BUSY TIME IN LOWAN

Fri, 25 May 2012 06:44:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty speaking in Parliament this week said he had attended a number of functions across the Lowan electorate.

“I was privileged to take part in the Mother’s Day Classic in Horsham. This event helps raise money for breast cancer research, remember those who have lost their battle and celebrate those who have survived. This event was well attended, as were many such events across Victoria, and I commend the organisers and the participants for their support for this very worthy cause,” Mr Delahunty said.

“I was pleased to attend a forum in Casterton to celebrate National Volunteer Week and the work our volunteers do in the community.”

Mr Delahunty said this year’s theme was ‘Volunteers — every one counts’.

“Volunteers are the backbone of any community, especially country communities, and they provide much needed assistance to not only organisations but also to individuals.

“I believe in the philosophy that in giving we receive, so on behalf of the people of the Lowan electorate, I say a big thank you to all the volunteers for their wonderful contributions to our communities, particularly the 580 000 volunteers who work in the sport and recreation sector,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said he also attended a Hindmarsh shire reception to welcome the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Alex Chernov, and Mrs Chernov. They visited Luv-a-Duck and the Nine Creeks walking and bicycle track. They also visited the Wimmera-Mallee Pioneer Museum at Jeparit, Lake Hindmarsh, the Rainbow primary and secondary schools, and the new health and fitness centre at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College.

“There is a lot happening in the Lowan electorate, and I take this opportunity to congratulate our volunteers and our unsung heroes, those who work behind the scenes, who work tirelessly for the betterment of our communities,” Mr Delahunty said.

DELAHUNTY URGES VIGILANCE TO KEEP YOUR HOME FIRE SAFE THIS WINTER

Thu, 24 May 2012 01:07:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has joined the call of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan in urging western Victorians to be vigilant against fire in their homes this winter.

“The joint CFA and MFB Winter Fire Safety campaign is warning Victorians about the high fire safety risks this time of year when the likelihood of house fires can increase by up to 20 per cent.,” Mr Delahunty said.

“It is distressing that last winter across Victoria six people tragically lost their lives and there were 1,042 residential fires causing an estimated $20 million worth of damage.”

“Unattended cooking remained the single biggest cause of domestic fires throughout the year with more than one-third of residential fires started in the kitchen.”

Mr Delahunty said the number of fires in bedrooms, caused by heating equipment, also increases dramatically during the winter months, while blocked chimneys can also be a hazard.

The Winter Fire Safety campaign would use a combination of advertising and educational materials that focused on fire prevention in the home.

The CFA and MFB are asking everyone across the state to start their own winter safety campaign by being vigilant, planning ahead and checking that the smoke alarms in your house work; plan how you would get out of your house if there was a fire; and be aware of fire risks in the home.

“The CFA and MFB will be targeting key community groups including schools and maternal child health centres as well as vulnerable groups such as the elderly,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information visit www.homefiresafety.com.au

DELAHUNTY URGES EYE HEALTH CHECKS

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:08:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is urging people in the Lowan electorate to have their eyes checked during Macular Degeneration Week from May 27 to June 2.

“The awareness campaign is aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of macular degeneration in Australia,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Macular Degeneration (MD) causes central vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. MD central vision loss affects the ability to see fine detail, read and recognise faces. It affects one in seven people aged over 50.”

The theme of MD Awareness Week 2012 is “Keep your family in the picture.”

Mr Delahunty said while there is no cure, there are treatments that can slow the progression of this disease.

“The earlier the problem is detected, the better chance there is of retaining more vision.”

“I strongly urge everyone in western Victoria to have the health of their eyes checked leading up to or during Macular Degeneration Awareness Week. We should never take our eyesight for granted,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information contact the Macular Degeneration Foundation on 1800 111 709 or visit the website www.mdfoundation.com.au

FUNDS AVAILABLE TO STRENGTHEN MENS SHEDS IN WESTERN VICTORIA

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:38:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said grants of up to $30,000 from the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012 are now available to support the redevelopment of men’s sheds.

“The Strengthening Men’s Sheds grants initiative is part of a $4 million package over four years that would help men’s sheds increase their capacity to attract new members, operate sustainably and continue to make valuable contributions to local communities,” Mr Delahunty said.

Men’s sheds have increased in popularity and number over the past five years and there are now about 160 in Victoria.

Mr Delahunty said men’s sheds provide a place for regular contact with other men and a range of practical activities including carpentry, horticulture, cooking and restorations.

“Men’s sheds give men a place to go where they can meet, talk, get involved in their local community as well as learn about the importance of men’s health and wellbeing issues,” Mr Delahunty said.

In announcing the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012, the Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said the Coalition Government recognises the significant role men’s sheds play in local communities through engaging a diverse range of men, including those with a disability, farmers, war veterans, retirees and the unemployed.

Through the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Program, $900,000 will be available to refurbish existing men’s sheds, with grants of up to $30,000 for assistance to redevelop and modify an existing shed to meet occupational health and safety and disability standards or to meet increased community demand for established shed activities.

“In providing this latest round of grants through the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012 the Coalition Government is supporting men’s sheds to continue to grow and thrive across western Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

Successful applicants will be required to match their grants on a 2:1 ratio.

This latest round of funding is in addition to the Men’s Shed Capacity Building Fund of $100,000 that is administered by the Victorian Men’s Sheds Association to provide small grants to develop informal networks and tackle issues of sustainability.

Applications for grants close on 13 July 2012. More information is available at:
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-business-and-community/community-involvement/men-in-thecommunity/strengthening-mens-sheds

CELEBRATE OUR TALENTED LOWAN BUSINESSWOMEN

Fri, 11 May 2012 05:12:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is inviting businesswomen in the Lowan electorate to enter the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
“Here in western Victoria we have impressive businesswomen and the Telstra Business Women’s Awards is a wonderful way of recognising their achievements and contributions to our communities,” Mr Delahunty said.
“In the 18 years the Telstra Business Women’s Awards have been running thousands of women from a diverse range of professions and walks of life have been recognised through the awards and gone on to be mentors to others in the attainment of their life goals,” Mr Delahunty said.
“The Telstra Business Women’s Awards are an opportunity to reward inspirational business women throughout western Victoria who have had a positive impact on the local community,” Mr Delahunty said.
Finalist and winners will be recognised for their achievements and share in more than $200,000 in cash and prizes.
The three categories in the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards are:
Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award
Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award; and
White Pages Community and Government Award.
There are also two specialist categories: Nokia Business Innovation Award and marie Claire Young Business Women’s Award.
To nominate or enter complete the form available at www.womensawards.com or pick up a nomination form from Mr Delahunty’s offices at 114 Firebrace Street, Horsham telephone 5382 0097 or 44 Gray Street, Hamilton telephone 5571 9800
The Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards Gala will be held on 20 September 2012.

LOWAN STUDENTS SET TO ADVANCE IN NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:07:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty announced today that a number of schools in the Lowan electorate will receive funding for students to volunteer in the community thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s $4.5 million Advance program.

“In giving your time, talents and expertise as a volunteer you receive so much more – you gain new friends and build a stronger community,” Mr Delahunty said. “It is great to see our young people taking up the mantle of volunteering as volunteers are vital for the health and well-being of our communities.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith announced that more than 420 schools and 17,000 young people will be participating in the Advance program in 2012.

“Advance is a fantastic program that encourages young people to get involved in their local community and strengthens local partnerships between schools and local community organisations and services.

“The program also provides young people with practical opportunities for mentoring and gaining new skills and training whilst learning more about their local community.

“Supporting young people to volunteer has a positive and lasting effect, not only on the individual, but the whole community,” Mr Smith said.

Advance is a $4.5 million flexible school-based program offered annually in Victorian Government secondary schools. It engages and provides opportunities for young people between the ages of 14-18 to actively participate in their community through volunteering, while learning valuable transferable skills.

“Our volunteers make a valuable contribution to our communities and are the backbone of our communities. People who volunteer not only gain personal satisfaction in helping others but also develop social networks, gain work experience and maintain existing skills.”

“The importance of volunteers cannot be underestimated and the Advance program will positive outcomes through partnering schools with local community groups,” Mr Delahunty said.

National Volunteer Week will be held from 14-20 May 2012.

For more information on the Advance program go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advance

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN THE LOWAN ELECTORATE

Baimbridge College
Balmoral Community College
Casterton College
Dimboola Memorial Secondary College
Edenhope P-12 College
Goroke P-12 College
Hamilton Special Developmental School
Horsham College
Horsham special School
Kaniva College
Lake Bolac College
Nhill College
Rainbow Secondary College

DELAHUNTY TO ATTEND NATIONALS STATE CONFERENCE IN BENDIGO

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:01:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Lowan and Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hugh Delahunty will join the Nationals Victorian parliamentary team in Bendigo for the annual State Conference this weekend.

“The annual Nationals State conference is always well attended and provides an opportunity for delegates to meet with the Nationals State Parliamentary team and Federal Nationals MPs,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The annual state conference provides an opportunity for the grassroots members of the party to meet with MPs and debate policy issues,” Mr Delahunty said.

“In addition to addresses from State Leader and Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Federal Leader Warren Truss, there will be plenty of opportunity for branch members to have their say on topics of interest with a number of resolutions relevant to country Victoria debated during the conference.”

Around 50 resolutions will be debated at conference with topics including investigating the duplication of existing main railway lines to better accommodate both passenger and freight services; a program to foster sustained wild dog control; greater promotion and early detection programs for prostate cancer; attracting and retaining teachers to country Victoria.

“Motions from the Lowan electorate include shortfalls in road and bridge funding; charges and costs and approval processes to obtain road-making material; review the Dryland Over Dimensional Machinery Permits areas; the establishment of a Victorian register of foreign owned and purchased agricultural land; fast track assessments of flood damage; and increased support services to assist small businesses,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Nationals always hold its annual conference, its major gathering of the year, in country Victoria, I am looking forward to a successful conference in Bendigo,” Mr. Delahunty said.

DELAHUNTY JOINS FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:37:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is again going in the Horsham Mother’s Day Classic to be held Mother’s Day, Sunday 13th May.

“The Mother’s Day Classic event helps to raise money for breast cancer research and to remember those who have lost their battles with breast cancer and to those who have survived,” Mr Delahunty said.

“In addition to a fun morning out and raising some money for Breast Cancer, many use it as an opportunity to pay tribute to a family member or friend who has been affected by Breast Cancer.”

Mr Delahunty said this year’s event will be held at Horsham Soundshell, Sawyer Park. Registrations can be made on the following website motherdaysclassic.com.au or on the morning from 8.00am onwards at Sawyer Park. Also at this time you will be able to purchase merchandise and participate in the warm up and then at 9.00am the Walk/Run will commence.

The Horsham Mother’s Day Classic event is now in its third year and has had been a success and has attracted over 500 participants and raising over $6,000 each year for breast cancer research.
“I am encouraging as many people as possible to come along and join in the Mother’s Day Classic which is not only for a worthy cause but is also an opportunity to get active and spend time with family and friends on Mother’s Day,” Mr Delahunty said.

NOT JUST A GETAWAY BUT A GRAPE ESCAPE

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:40:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has congratulated the organising committee on another successful Grampians Grape Escape Food and Wine Festival.

In representing the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister Delahunty said that for 21 years the Grampians Grape Escape Food and Wine Festival had celebrated and promoted on of Victoria’s premier gourmet food and wine regions.

“People attending the festival enjoyed the different food and wines and festive atmosphere which, over the weekend, attracted 100 exhibitors and was a major tourism drawcard drawing thousands of visitors many of whom stayed in the region,” Minister Delahunty said.

“In opening the festival, I was pleased to announce, on behalf of Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, that the Grampians Grape Escape Festival would receive $8,000 for the Twitter Plus project, which would use social media to showcase the region and grow the festival,” Minister Delahunty said.

“The Grampians Grape Escape Festival is in its 21st year and is widely recognised as the premier food and wine festival and provides a significant stimulus to the regional economy.”

“The Twitter Plus project will deliver a social media strategy to encourage ongoing relationships between exhibitors and attendees at this year’s festival and showcase the region and its produce.

“It will also incorporate market research to better determine the market attracted to the event and undertake an economic impact assessment to understand the economic impact of the festival on the town of Halls Gap, the Northern Grampians Shire and the broader Grampians region,” Minister Delahunty said.

“Putting Locals First is a $100 million state government initiative that enables regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses that reflect local priorities,” Minister Delahunty said.

“It is supporting stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development in their region.”

“The Grampians Grape Escape is a wonderful event for western Victoria which is well patronised and I know everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the weekend,” Minister Delahunty said.

BUDGET PROVIDES FOR CFA FACILITIES

Thu, 03 May 2012 06:33:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed the announcement in the State budget that six Country Fire Authority (CFA) stations in the Lowan electorate have been ear marked for replacement or an upgrade.

“A number of locations have been identified by the CFA as a priority project as part of the Coalition Government’s $22 million 2012-13 budget investment in upgrading or building new CFA stations across Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This important funding will ensure local CFA volunteers have the best facilities to help them do their great work in protecting local communities.

“Tarrayoukyan, Clear Lake, Streatham, and Broughton stations have been listed for a new station while an upgrade is scheduled for the Vectis and Linlithgow station,” Mr Delahunty said.

“A further $12.3 million has been allocated to fleet infrastructure upgrades across the state to help the CFA best deliver on a range of services it provides such as road rescue, hazardous materials response and structural collapse.”

“The funding will mean the CFA will be better resourced to enable a more effective and efficient fire fighting service, whilst providing enhanced safety for crews.”

“This is great news for these communities and continues the focus the Coalition Government has in ensuring our rural and regional communities are appropriately catered for,” he said.
Mr Delahunty said the 2012-13 budget is the most responsible delivered in Victoria for more than a decade and it has been developed having to deal with the $1 billion deficit inherited from the former Labor Government, massive project cost overruns through Labor’s mismanagement and major reductions in revenue sources in the form of GST cuts and the reduction of land transfer stamp duty income.

“These CFA upgrades recognise needs identified at the local level and further the commitment of the Coalition Government to ensure our communities remain safe and secure,” Mr Delahunty said.

EMERGENCY SERVICE GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE

Thu, 03 May 2012 04:09:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said today that almost $12 million would be made available under the 2012/2013 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

“These grants provide our local volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for equipment, facility upgrades, vehicles and appliances,” Mr Delahunty said.

“It is important our volunteer groups such as CFA and SES are supported through grants like VESEP so that they can continue to do what they do best – protecting lives and property throughout western Victoria.

“Our emergency services in the Lowan Electorate deal with a number of emergencies including fires, storms and flooding. In these emergencies our volunteers play a crucial role in protecting communities and people.”

Under the program emergency services volunteer groups can access grants of up to $100,000 for operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.

VESEP will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding up to $100,000. Applicants must meet a range of criteria and will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives from government and respective emergency services organisations.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of emergency services so the Coalition Government wants to ensure they have the best equipment available to help them carry out their vital work.

“Our volunteers give selfless service and are dedicated to helping make our communities a better place to live and equipment grants such as these are a great example of the way the community, government and emergency services agencies can work together to ensure that we are best placed to respond to emergencies,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information to go www.justice.vic.gov.au or email vesep@justice.vic.gov.au

DELAHUNTY SUPPORTS REGIONAL VICTORIA LIVING EXPO

Thu, 03 May 2012 01:54:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said he was pleased to attend the Regional Living Expo and has congratulated the local councils in the Lowan electorate and a number of other organisations in promoting our region at the inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre held over the last weekend in April.

“All western Victoria’s local councils and other organisations were present to showcase what the region had to offer, and it was pleasing to see some 8,000 people take the opportunity to visit the expo,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This was a wonderful event which gave Melburnians who are considering the option of moving to rural and regional Victoria the opportunity to meet with representatives of the local councils, as well as exhibitors from western Victoria who were there to provide various displays as to our regions’ attributes.”

Mr Delahunty said that recently released figures indicated that about like 11 per cent of Melburnians or about 450 000 people were actually considering moving to regional Victoria in the next three years, and another 39 per cent are considering doing so at some stage in the future.

“The opportunities for us in western Victoria are huge from all aspects including economic development, retail opportunities and tourism prospects as western Victoria has the Grampians as well as excellent climbing at Mt Arapiles,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Expo provided Melbourne residents and businesses with all the information they need when considering relocating to regional and rural Victoria.

“Here in western Victoria we have everything you need and a proud history of offering many opportunities including clean air, a healthy lifestyle, economic development and retail opportunities. Our greatest asset is the people who live in our region. I congratulate all those involved in Regional Victoria Living Expo from western Victoria on providing such a wonderful array of information for the visitors to the expo,” Mr Delahunty said.

GOVERNMENT DELIVERS RESPONSIBLE BUDGET

Thu, 03 May 2012 01:52:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty welcomed the State budget presented by the Treasurer. This budget sets out a clear plan to meet these challenges and to position Victoria to take full advantage of current and future opportunities. It is about rebuilding the state’s finances.

“The state of Victoria was left in a financial mess thanks to Labor’s legacy. The previous Labor Government wasted billions of dollars during its 11 year reign – we have seen massive losses on the MYKI project, the North South Pipeline, and the Desalination Plant now costing $1.2 m per day.”

“We as a government are also dealing with significant revenue write-downs. Much of this is due to slower consumption growth, and some is due to the reduction in Victoria’s share of the GST. The revenue estimates from GST and Stamp Duty have been reduced by $7.6 billion over the four years.”

“A state budget is like a household budget – we need to live within our means,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Our budget is about investing in state infrastructure such as a $3 million water treatment facility for Jeparit, enhancing front line services, taking new measures to protect the most vulnerable Victorians and meeting the community needs in health, education and community safety.”

“The Coalition is spending $336m on child protection services and the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development announced a new capital funding round for early childhood services across Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Coalition Government is engaged in a range of activities to promote the fantastic opportunities that exist in rural and regional Victoria and part of this is the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund which is spearheading innovative and creative investment in regional and rural communities that is supporting jobs, growth and a better quality of life. For example $500,000 towards a $1.6 million project to develop the Horsham Enterprise Estate to secure new industries for Horsham.”

The 2012-13 budget will fund new rolling stock for the regional rail network, a further $172 million will be spent on regional rail maintenance and $42 million will construct a further duplication of the Western Highway between Beaufort and Buangor.

To improve Victoria’s competitive position WorkCover premiums will be reduced by 3% from 1st July this year. The budget also injects $61 million into the new agriculture and food industry plan to help maximise the opportunities from improved prices and better climatic conditions.

“I am acutely aware of the pressures on western Victorian families, but our government spending priorities focus on driving economic growth, generating jobs, improving front line service deliveries and protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Victorian families know that in challenging times you have to act responsibly and eliminate waste. Our government will improve efficiency to deliver better services and build a stronger foundation for the future,” Mr Delahunty said.

LOWAN RESIDENTS CELEBRATE VOLUNTEERS WEEK 14-22 MAY

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:25:00 GMT

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is inviting residents of the Lowan electorate to celebrate Volunteers Week between 9th and 15th May.

“The theme of for the week will be “Volunteering – Every One Counts” – and it is an opportunity to raise the profile of volunteering and highlight that volunteering is important to our local communities and the contribution of all volunteers must be recognised,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This year’s theme also sends a strong message to existing volunteers that they are valued and that every single volunteer makes an important contribution to the community.”

Mr Delahunty said more than 6 million Australians volunteer each year.

“Volunteers are the backbone of any community, especially country communities and they provide much needed assistance to not only organisations but also to individuals,” Mr. Delahunty said.

Volunteering is not only giving to the community but there are many rewards gained from volunteer work such as meeting people, learning new skills and developing self-esteem.

“The theme for National Volunteers Week is “Volunteering – Every One Counts” and with all the pressures of life it is now, more than ever, that we need our volunteers to keep our sporting, arts and community organisations viable.

“People who volunteer not only gain personal satisfaction in helping others but also develop social networks, gain work experience and maintain existing skills.”

“The importance of volunteers cannot be underestimated. I take this opportunity to congratulate our volunteers for their wonderful contributions to our communities, and I also encourage others to take up the challenge to become a volunteer.”

“I believe in the philosophy “in giving we receive” so on behalf of all the people in the Lowan electorate I say a big thank you to all volunteers,” Mr. Delahunty said.