Volunteers recognised for outstanding contributions

VICTORIA’S volunteers have been honoured at the 2024 Volunteering Awards, celebrating their dedication to communities across the state.

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence presented the awards in Melbourne, recognising eight individuals and organisations for their impact.

“Victoria’s volunteers are at the heart of our communities, dedicating their time to make a real difference to families and communities across the state,” she said.

Cherie McLean received the Premier’s Volunteer of the Year Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award for her decades of service in disaster-affected communities.

A volunteer with the Australian Red Cross for more than 60 years, she has assisted in major disasters including the Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday bushfires.

Gather My Crew was named Volunteer Involving Organisation of the Year and also received the Volunteering Innovation Award.

The digital-based service connects people in crisis with volunteers and has delivered more than 350,000 hours of assistance through 55,000 volunteers. Brenton Ponza received the Volunteer Impact Award, while Arfa Sarfaraz was recognised with the Volunteer Leadership Award.

Tyrese Walsh was named Young Volunteer of the Year.

Special Olympics Melbourne Inner East received the Inclusive Volunteering Award, and Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc was awarded the Grassroots Volunteering Award.

The Volunteering Partnerships Award went to the Australian Working Group for International Student Employability Inc (VicWISE).

A record 499 nominations were received this year, reflecting the widespread commitment to volunteering across Victoria.

Volunteering Victoria chief executive Geoff Sharp said the awards highlighted the generosity and dedication of volunteers.

“Volunteering Victoria is honoured to partner with the Victorian Government to recognise all our finalists and winners for their generosity and vital work across the state, and to showcase the very best examples of being Victorian,” Mr Sharp said.