Premier

Celebrating Victoria’s Inspiring Health Volunteers

18 May 2016

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today paid tribute to the inspiring work of the dedicated volunteers who make a real difference, each and every day, caring for the most vulnerable at health services across Victoria.

The 2016 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards recognised 16 individuals and teams who generously devote their time and talents in hospitals, ambulance services, community health, mental health and aged care.

Now in their eighth year, the Awards also honour people who have spent a lifetime caring for others in the community, as well as amazing achievements by young people. The Awards recognise innovation, improving patient experiences, supporting cultural diversity and promoting public health.

Recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Awards for 2016 are:

  • Julia Gorton and Benjamin Sutu, Melbourne Health
  • Tess Darlington, Self Help Addition Resource Centre
  • Community Health Advancement and Student Engagement Team (CHASE)
  • ReSPIN Gambling Awareness Speakers Bureau, North East Primary Care Partnership
  • Donor Conception: Towards Openness Exhibition Volunteer Team, VARTA
  • Valerie and Peter Simpson, Melbourne Health
  • Sunraysia Information and Referral Service
  • The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department team
  • Iean Lewis, Ambulance Victoria
  • Margaret Redmond, Northeast Health Wangaratta
  • Karingal Hub Walking Group Volunteers, Peninsula Health
  • Dr Brian McGuiness, North Richmond Community Health
  • Chinese Peer Support Program, EACH Social & Community Health
  • Anne Tudor and Edie Mayhew, Alzheimer’s Australia Vic
  • Judith Jackson, Gunggari Elder, Inner South Community Health
  • DanceWize, Harm Reduction Victoria

Latest figures show more than 160,000 people volunteer in health organisations across Victoria. In 2016, more than 800 volunteers from 43 organisations were nominated for a Minister for Health Volunteer Award.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“Volunteers are the backbone of our health system. It’s no coincidence that as the best health system in Australia, Victoria is also home to our most dedicated and talented volunteers.”

“While it’s impossible to put a price on the work volunteers do supporting some of our most sick and vulnerable Victorians, today’s Awards go some way to honouring them for their tireless work.”

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Gabrielle Williams

“These awards celebrate the amazing contribution our health volunteers make to their communities and to the people of Victoria.”

“I thank the judging panel for their hard work and commitment. Their job is not an easy one. We have all been inspired by all your stories of volunteering and kindness.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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