Spittal's Paul Gigler is Carinthia's civil servant of the year 2025!

Spittal's Paul Gigler is Carinthia's civil servant of the year 2025!

On September 23, 2025, it was that time again: the “Civil Servants of the Year” were honored in the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, and Carinthia has a shining winner: Paul Gigler from Spittal an der Drau. This 18th award honors young men who stand out through their special achievements and great commitment during their community service. The honor was led by the Federal Minister for Civilian Service, Claudia Plakolm, who praised the state winner and all other honored civil servants for their valuable work. These award ceremonies are of great importance in Austria, not only for the award winners themselves, but also for awareness of community service as a whole, as meinbezirk.at reports.

Paul Gigler began his community service in the Haus Marienheim retirement home and nursing home of the Spittal an der Drau social welfare association. Here he not only gains practical experience, but also brings light into the everyday life of the residents with his empathy and patience. The team at Marienheim emphasizes how much they value Gigler's initiative and the emotional connection to the elderly. Gigler is particularly fond of the small, shared moments, where he describes open interaction with people as a valuable part of his community service, as can be read in 5min.at.

Important role of community service

Around 45% of young men in Austria choose community service, a form of commitment that not only serves society but also personal development. Around 30% of those doing community service remain active in a voluntary sector after their service. These experiences are often formative and can influence career choices, especially in social professions or healthcare. Society also benefits, as workers are urgently needed in these areas, as the website zivildienst.gv.at notes.

Thanks to his time at Haus Marienheim, Paul Gigler plans to continue volunteering. He has acquired valuable social skills and feels well prepared for future challenges. His attitude reflects how important community service is for personal development and how it inspires young people to care for others.

Overall, the award shows that community service is not only a duty, but also an opportunity to positively influence one's own life and the lives of others. Paul Gigler is an example of how commitment and humanity go hand in hand, and he has managed to establish himself not only as a national winner, but also as a role model in the community. />