Volunteers who selflessly give up their time to help others will be recognised across the state, with nominations now open for the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is inviting everyone in Wyndham to nominate volunteers who are making a real impact in the community, so they can be rewarded for all their hard work and dedication.

The awards will recognise up to 60 volunteers across the state in the categories of Leadership, Impact, Service, and Teamwork.

The Andrews Labor Government invested $500,000 over two years in the 2018-19 Victorian State Budget to support volunteering initiatives, including innovative technological applications and leadership training programs.

In 2016-17, the Labor Government also made a 20 per cent increase to ongoing funding for peak body, Volunteering Victoria.

At the awards ceremony later this year, one worthy recipient will receive the 2019 Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award and $10,000 to donate to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.

The Labor Government is committed to supporting and enhancing volunteerism in Victoria through the development and implementation of a Victorian Volunteer Strategy.

Nominations for the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards 2019 are open until 28 June. For more information, visit https://volunteer.vic.gov.au/awards

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“I encourage all Victorians to nominate a volunteer who makes a positive impact in the local community and is a role model to others.”

“This government is supporting volunteers who work across almost every aspect of life, and make vast contributions to our state economy.”29