Calls for Vic Premier’s Volunteer Awards Nominations

Nominations are open for the 2014 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Awards.

“Each year, the Awards highlight some outstanding achievements made by volunteers across Victoria and are a great opportunity to recognise, thank and celebrate their significant contribution and support,” the Department of Premier and Cabinet said.

The 2014 Awards include six categories:

• Victorian Volunteer of the Year – Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award ($10,000 to donate to their chosen charity);

• Regional Youth Volunteer of the Year ($2,000 for chosen charity);

• Regional Volunteer of the Year ($2,000 for chosen charity);

• Metropolitan Youth Volunteer of the Year ($2,000 for chosen charity);

• Metropolitan Volunteer of the Year ($2,000 for chosen charity);

• New Resident Volunteer of the Year (open all ages) ($2,000 for chosen charity).

Last year, Darell Benjamin, who had raised almost $1 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital won the top honour – the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award. Benjamin had been raising money for the Royal Children’s Good Friday Appeal since 1978 and in 2004 was awarded the Latrobe City Citizen of the Year award and in 2008 an Order of Australia Medal for his year-round fundraising efforts.

“Mr Benjamin is a terrific winner of the first Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award. He represents the genuine grass roots community volunteer who are the heart of the soul of many local communities across the state,” Premier Denis Napthine said, at the time of the win.

Nominations for the 2014 Victorian Premier’s Volunteers Awards close on August 1.  

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