Nominations open for Victoria’s Volunteer Awards

NOW is your chance to nominate the region’s hardest working volunteers for their extraordinary efforts over the past year.

The Victorian Government has announced nominations are now open for this year’s 2021 Volunteering Awards.

The awards are an opportunity to recognise the incredible support volunteers have given to others during this particularly hard year.

Nominations could be submitted for several reasons, whether it be for delivering essential food relief and medical supplies or helping seniors video call loved ones.

“Victoria’s volunteers have made a huge impact in our community during the pandemic, selflessly helping others,” Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Anthony Carbines said.

The efforts of volunteers, leaders and organisations will be recognised across eight awards categories, including for leadership, service, impact, and teamwork.

Volunteering Victoria will also combine its awards with the Victorian Government’s Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.

Amongst the awards is the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award awarded to the Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, a highlight of the presentation. The winner will receive a $10,000 prize to donate to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.

“If you know a volunteer doing extraordinary work, I encourage you to nominate them so we can celebrate their important achievements,” Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers James Merlino said.

To date, more than 2.3 million Victorians participate in volunteering and with the state to continue easing restrictions, the ability to help more organisations rebuild in the Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine communities will be imperative to returning to the pre-COVID normal.

For more information or to nominate someone, visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events/volunteering-awards-2021.