BARKER MP Tony Pasin will acknowledge the work of the Riverland’s highly valued volunteers in May through the ‘Barker Volunteer Awards’ program.
National Volunteer Week highlights the importance of volunteering, and acknowledges and thanks those that give their time to volunteer for the benefit of others.
It is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and is held annually in May.
This year Volunteer Week will be celebrated between 19 and 25 May. 
“As I spend time in communities across Barker, I am regularly reminded of the immense contribution that volunteers make,” Mr Pasin said.
“From the local Lions Club, sporting groups or CFS – particularly their huge efforts in recent weeks – it is the unpaid work of volunteers that keeps these organisations running and serving the wider community.
“Volunteers really are the heart of communities across Barker and they deserve recognition for the time, skills and passion they exercise to help make our local communities great places to live, work and raise a family.
“The Barker Volunteer Awards are a small way in which I can acknowledge and thank the community members who go above and beyond by volunteering.”
Mr Pasin is encouraging community members to nominate an outstanding volunteer for recognition.
Nominations will close Monday 5 May. 
Nomination forms are available online at (www.tonypasin.com/barker_volunteer_awards), or at Mr Pasin’s office.