Independent Member for Alfred Cove, Dr Janet Woollard MLA, is encouraging local community groups to apply to become the 2009 Westpac Australian Community Idol.'

The Community Idol competition is an initiative of Westpac and Our Community, an organisation which provices resources, training, advice and tools to community groups and schools within Australia.

“There are so many community groups in my Alfred Cove electorate that do invaluable, inspiring work every day, with little fanfare or publicity,” Dr Woollard said.

“I know how hard these groups work, and how big a difference they can make. The Australian Community Idol grant would give a community group the chance to get some exposure and recognition, not only for the group itself but for the community it works within.”

The three Westpac Australian Community Idol finalists will receive flights and accommodation for two representatives to attend the Communities in Control Conference in Melbourne on 15 and 16 June 2009, together with a selection of Our Community books, newsletters, training vouchers and DVDs, valued at a total of over $3,000. The community group crowned the winner will also receive $3,000 cash.

Dr Woollard says that finalists in the past years of the competition have included a youth group, a community environmental group, a theatre company, a prisoner advocacy group and a cricket club.

“If your group encourages the local community to participate, learn, play, celebrate, be entertained, plant trees, care for people or support a cause, this an opportunity to be rewarded for the fantastic job you are doing,” said Dr Woollard.