Call to endorse volunteers

NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2025 Victorian Volunteer Awards, which recognise the individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to support their communities.

Individual categories include the Young Volunteer Award, Volunteer Commitment Award, Volunteer Leadership Award and the Volunteer Impact Award.

One winner will also receive the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award for Volunteer of the Year, including a $10,000 donation to a not-for-profit of their choice.

Organisation categories include the Inclusive Volunteering Award, Grassroots Volunteering Award, Volunteering Innovation Award and the Volunteering Partnerships Award.

The Volunteering Excellence Award will also be presented to one of the four winning organisations.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities – from cooking meals to supporting animal welfare, providing training, and much, much more – (they) do it all and they deserve to be recognised for their remarkable efforts,” Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence said.

“I encourage Victorians to nominate a volunteer or organisation they’ve crossed paths with to shine the light on a contribution that’s making a real difference.”

Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive Geoff Sharp said strong communities don’t happen by chance.

“They’re built by people who care, who give their time, and who lift others up,” he said.

“Through these Awards, we invite Victorians to help us recognise those whose efforts – big or small – help better our communities.”

Nominations, which close on Friday 4 July at 4pm, can be made on the Volunteering Victoria website.

Finalists will be announced in October, with the awards ceremony due to be held in November.