Today I launched a very important new initiative, the Westpac Community Treasurer's Awards.
The awards are to recognise the unpaid work of honorary treasurers in our community groups and in the wider Australian community.
The awards are the first of their kind in Australia and I am very proud to have had the privilege of launching them today.
The valuable work of community treasurers enriches the lives of many Australians – and it's work that often goes unrecognised.
In many instances they are the backbone of the local bushfire unit, the footy club or the surf life saving club and their efforts deserve to be heralded.
Their tireless efforts keeping the books means local sports participants or community volunteers can get on with what they are doing knowing the back office functions are being taken care of.
These new awards will also help highlight the importance of financial literacy, which is an important life skill for everyone.
It's my hope that they also help to establish community treasurers as great role models for the people in their organisations, particularly the younger members.
I'd like to congratulate Westpac and Our Community for their initiative in developing these Awards. The winning treasurers are from small, medium and large organisations and will be given $5000 for their organisation.
I'd like to encourage people to support the work of their local community groups and community treasurers. You can nominate someone for the awards at www.ourcommunity.com.au. Nominations close on 10 September 2008.