Central Queensland University’s School of Health and Human Performance (HHP) will turn the spotlight on the region’s volunteers at this year’s SportsStar of the Year Awards.

Head of the School of Health and Human Performance, Dr Peter Reaburn announced the school will be funding the inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award as part of The Morning Bulletin’s gala sporting event.

The aim of the Award is to recognise the contribution that volunteer workers make to Rockhampton and Central Queensland regional sport.

“The Volunteer of the Year Award is about providing recognition to that special person who does the hard work behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed,” Dr Reaburn said.

“Often it is the tireless work of the referees, officials, timekeepers and administrators who keep the organisations running. It is therefore crucial that we recognise the work of these people to ensure that volunteers continue the work they do and that they feel they are a valued part of the organisation,” he said. The Volunteer of the Year Award winner will receive a cash prize of $100 and a plaque.

Dr Reaburn is a keen supporter of volunteers and has a strong philosophy on his students getting their hands dirty.

“Our School is all about getting involved in community organisations and developing industry linkages. We encourage our students to become involved in community activities and sporting organisations to gain valuable experience alongside their degree,” he said.

“Our graduates then come out with not only a degree, but also Industry recognised accreditations through our Industry Liaison Office and valuable experience in their field of interest. This makes our graduates highly employable.” The School of HHP always has high levels of its students involved on a volunteer basis in community events, including the highly successful Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman Triathlon and the Lest We Forget Fun Run held in 2003 which was coordinated solely by Human Movement Science students. Our students can also be found volunteering their time at the local netball courts as coaches or as sports trainers for the various football codes or sporting championships.

Nominations for CQU’s School of HHP Volunteer of the Year Award will be called for prior to the SportsStar of the Year Dinner on Saturday May 29.

For more information contact Alex Bright on 4930 9814 or hhp-industry-liaison@cqu.edu.au.

Photo: Head of the School of Health and Human Performance, Peter Reaburn.