To give our volunteers the recognition they deserve, 2025 sees the introduction of a special awards evening just to celebrate the contribution they make to the continuous operation of our squadron.  We’ve specifically chosen a date that marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week, a national event celebrated by organisations all around the country to mark the enormous effort made across each and every industry in our society.  From the healthcare sector, education sector right through to the arts and of course, sport, volunteers make up an enormous part of our workforce.   In fact, in Queensland alone, over 64% of the population volunteered in 2024 for an average of 21 hours per month!

Keep in mind that volunteering includes both formal and informal types: formal volunteering being that which is organised through an organisation like RQYS, and informal volunteering which includes spontaneous, self-organised and non-affiliated individual or group activities such as helping a neighbour or collecting litter along a beach with friends.  In a nutshell, volunteering is time willingly given for the common good without financial gain. As time is arguably our most precious resource, the giving of it is more precious than even money.   To read more, visit the State of Volunteering in Qld Report 2024.

We are excited to shine a light on the work of our volunteers at the 2025 Club Member of the Year Awards on 17 May.   We need your input to make sure every volunteer who goes above and beyond here at RQYS is nominated for an award.   That means they need you to give your time to complete a nomination form, in one the following five categories:

• Marine Sports Volunteer Award – for significant contribution to on-water activities
• Cruising and Navigation Volunteer Award  – for significant contribution to sail, power and/or navigation programs
• Social Events Volunteer Award – for significant contribution to social organisation for the inclusion of members
• Member Facilities Volunteer Award – for significant contribution to Finn’s Shed or other land-based effort
• Special Contributor Award – for significant contribution in other or combination of several areas within the Squadron
• Yachtshare Club Member of the Year Award – open to Full Members only for significant contribution to any aspect of the Squadron in the selection year

Please note: Serving Flag Officers and members of General Committee are excluded from qualification for these awards while they hold these positions.

Nominations are now open! 

To download and complete a nomination form, please click the button below.

Completed forms should be returned to membership@rqys.com.au by 5pm on Sunday, 27 April 2025.