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Australia Volunteers

2003 Silver Proof Twenty Cent

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This commemorative twenty cent coin is one piece from the 2003 issue of the Royal Australian Mint's six coin year set. This particular set was entitled Australia's Volunteers - Making a Difference and as the name suggests the series pays tribute to the unsung heroes who form the backbone of Australian society. When the set was released in 2003 there was a recorded number of over 4 million people who volunteered their valuable time for the sake of the community.This twenty cent coin was joined in the set by an additional five coins of different denominations and featuring a different design depicting the activities of Australia's volunteers. The denominations of these coins are 5c, 10c, 50c, $1 and $2. There was also a Finale Hologram coin that was released separately at the end of the same year.

The reverse of the coin was designed by Vladimir Gottwald. In the centre and filling the majority of the coin is a group of ordinary individuals who represent the diverse group of normal people who contribute to society through their volunteer work. Among the people is the denomination 20; the legend reads AUSTRALIA'S VOLUNTEERS - MAKING A DIFFERENCE. The obverse of the coin bears Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and surrounding this is the legend ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2003. The six coins that make up the set were presented in a sealed blue cardboard wallet and includes a descriptive card pertaining to the set. Writing on the outer box includes 2003 SIX COIN PROOF SET, AUSTRALIA'S VOLUNTEERS, and Making a Difference.

Volunteers play an important role in any community but Australia seems to have a particularly prominent and dedicated workforce of individuals willing to dedicate their time for the benefit of the community. Australia as a nation has been built with a significant amount of help from these unsung heroes who choose to sacrifice their free time, skills, and knowledge in order to help others and to strengthen their community. In 2003, the Royal Australian Mint decided it was time to thank and celebrate these ordinary individuals. (Royal Australian Mint, 2002) The coins issued look at the people and the work they do, such as emergency services, carers, conservationist, charity workers, and surf life guards, all of whom truly make a positive difference in Australia.