The Victorian Government has today formally thanked the state’s volunteers and celebrated their contribution to Victoria with the 2024 Volunteering Awards.
Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Ros Spence presented the Awards at a ceremony in Melbourne today, recognising eight exceptional volunteers who have made an invaluable contribution to Victoria.
“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,” said Minister Spence.
“I congratulate all the finalists for their work in building a stronger, more connected Victoria.”
Cherie McLean received the prestigious Premier’s Volunteer of the Year Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award for her work in disaster affected communities across the state. Serving as an Australian Red Cross Volunteer for more than 60 years, Ms McLean has worked on major disasters such as the 1983 Ash Wednesday and 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Gather My Crew was named Volunteer Involving Organisation of the Year, in addition to receiving the Volunteering Innovation Award, for their work supporting people experiencing illness, crisis or life changing news.
Gather My Crew is a free digital based volunteer service, connecting people in need with volunteers standing ready to help. The service has offered more than 350,000 hours of assistance in local communities delivered by 55,000 volunteers.
The Government’s annual Volunteering Awards shine a spotlight on those who give their time to enrich their communities. Other award recipients include:
- – Brenton Ponza – Volunteer Impact Award
- – Arfa Sarfaraz – Volunteer Leadership Award
- – Tyrese Walsh – Young Volunteer Award
- – Special Olympics Melbourne Inner East – Inclusive Volunteering Award
- – Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc – Grassroots Volunteering Award
- – Australian Working Group for International Student Employability Inc (VicWISE) – Volunteering Partnerships Award.
A record-breaking 499 nominations were received for this year’s awards, demonstrating the incredible efforts of individuals and organisations across the state, from regional Victoria to metropolitan Melbourne.
“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,” said Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive, Geoff Sharp.
To read the profiles of each of the 2024 Volunteering Award recipients visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events.
