Recognising Our Champion Volunteers – Nominate Now!
Nominations are now open for the Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.
The Andrews Labor Government is expanding the awards to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution volunteers make to Victorian communities and the economy.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Gabrielle Williams visited the Seeing Eye Dogs Australia Kennel and Puppy Centre in Kensington, which relies on volunteers every day, to call on Victorians to nominate and recognise the best and brightest of our volunteers.
This year the awards have grown to acknowledge the increasing number of Victorians giving their time and skills to make this state an even better place to live.
The new awards program will include the Premier’s highest accolade for volunteering contributions – the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award.
Up to 50 volunteers will be recognised across five categories: Outstanding Youth Volunteers; Outstanding Adult Volunteers; Outstanding Volunteer Managers, and; Outstanding Volunteer Teams in both Rural and Regional, and Metropolitan areas.
Volunteers are the backbone of Victorian communities and they also contribute in a big way to the economy. The 2012 Economic Value of Volunteering in Victoria report showed volunteering contributions were worth about $23 billion to the Victorian economy in 2011, estimated to grow to up to $42 billion by 2021.
Nominations are open until September 15. To nominate or find out more visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/premiersvolunteerawards
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“The Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards recognise and celebrate volunteers who make Victoria a happier, healthier, safer, and more connected place to live.”
“We all benefit from the tireless work of Victoria’s volunteers, who put their heart and soul into causes that matter to them and make Victoria a vibrant state.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“From helping out during emergencies to coaching our kids, caring for vulnerable Victorians and protecting our environment – Volunteers come from all walks of life to enrich our communities.”
“The Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards are the Andrews Labor Government’s way of saying thank you to this fantastic group of people.”
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Gabrielle Williams
“As chair of the Government’s new Ministerial Advisory Council for Volunteers, I know how important it is we recognise and celebrate the big contribution volunteers to make to our great State.”