Novocastrians are being called to nominate their fellow citizens for recognition in the 2018 Newcastle Volunteer Service Awards.Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon launched the awards in a speech during National Volunteer Week in Federal Parliament. Ms Claydon said the awards were one of the most rewarding and inspiring events in her annual calendar. The most recent census data showed that despite our increasingly busy lives, more Novocastrians are volunteering than ever before, Ms Claydon said. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community but too often they dont get the recognition they deserve. Ms Claydon called on Novocastrians to help make the 2018 Volunteer Service Awards a huge success. Last years awards were the biggest yet but I think we can do even better! Ms Claydon said. I encourage Novocastrians to take just five minutes out from their busy lives to nominate someone they know, one of the selfless, hardworking, generous people who give so much of their time to help build strong, resilient and cohesive communities in Newcastle. For more information on the Newcastle and nomination forms, visit www.sharonclaydon.com/2018newcastlevolunteerawards Pictured: Some of the 77 volunteers who were recognised at the 2017 Newcastle Service Awards for helping to breathe new life into Birmingham Gardens Regal Cinema.