Honouring those who give back

NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation Volunteering Geelong is shining a spotlight on community service, inviting nominations for its Volunteer of the Year awards.

The awards, which have been delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kardinia annually since 2007, acknowledge the critical role of volunteers across the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions, honouring those who have gone above and beyond in support of their community with well-deserved recognition.

“Rotary has been volunteering in the Geelong region for 100 years and we know just how much volunteers strengthen communities, so we’ve found a way to highlight their impressive contributions,” Rotary Club of Kardinia president Allan Murphy said.

“Over the past week, we have seen many organisations publicly acknowledge their volunteers and we aim to take it to the next level by awarding significant volunteers across the region.”

This year, nominations are invited for volunteers from any service – whether it be the arts, emergency services or healthcare – that supports individuals in need or the broader community, across five award categories. They are:

Youth Volunteer Award, for a young person aged 25 years or younger who has positively impacted the lives of others in the past 12 months

Volunteer Service Award, for a volunteer whose long-term commitment and sustained efforts have left an enduring legacy, making a significant and lasting contribution over a period of at least 10 years

Inclusive Volunteering Award, for an individual or organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to inclusive and accessible volunteering practices that have increased volunteer diversity or improved participation.

Volunteer Leadership Award, for an individual who consistently demonstrates leaderships in their actions and is a role model for others

Volunteer of the Year Award, for an individual volunteer who has made an exceptional contribution to the community over the past 12 months.

The winner of each award category will receive a plaque and $1,000, of which $750 will be donated to a charity of their choice. The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award will also receive a voucher for three-month access to Kieser Geelong.

Volunteering Geelong operations manager Colin Dempsey encouraged people to nominate volunteers making a difference for this year’s awards, which are expected to be the organisation’s biggest to date.

“As the pre-eminent organisations in the region matching volunteers and roles, it makes sense for us to be a key partner in the award and to encourage both volunteer and community focused organisations to nominate,” he said.

“This year, we have added new categories, including recognising a ‘Volunteer of the Year’ as the highest achievement.”

Nominations will close on June 18. For more information, head to volunteergeelong.org.au