The Andrews Labor Government has appointed Victoria’s first Ministerial Council for Volunteers, acknowledging the voice of volunteers and their vital contribution to the health and happiness of Victoria.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today announced the membership of the council, who were appointed on the basis of their personal experience or expertise in volunteering.
Members reflect the diversity of volunteers in Victoria, including emergency services, health, sport, disability, arts and culture, conservation, youth, ageing, diversity, education and the community services sector.
The Council will advise the Labor Government on how best to support and strengthen the volunteer sector and oversee a broader program of volunteer recognition.
Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Gabrielle Williams will chair the new council, which will meet quarterly.
The Labor Government is committed to supporting and strengthening the volunteer sector, which is worth more than $23 billion to the state economy and is projected to increase to as much as $42 billion by 2021.
The Premier will recognise many of Victoria’s outstanding volunteers as part of the Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards at a ceremony on Sunday 29 November.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
"Victoria’s first Ministerial Council for Volunteers will give a voice to the valuable difference volunteers make to our organisations, communities and families across Victoria."
"We are committed to supporting their outstanding efforts and believe there is no one better to help us than the leaders and community volunteers themselves who understand the challenges first hand."
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Gabrielle Williams
"I look forward to working with the Ministerial Council for Volunteers to build happier, healthier, and more inclusive communities by hearing the voices of our volunteers."
"Without the thousands of volunteers who selflessly contribute to our communities every day Victoria would not be the vibrant place it is today – this Council will help us support these wonderful Victorians."
Full list of council members
| Name | Position and organisation |
| Ms Gabrielle Williams MP (Chair) | Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers |
| Mr Simon Abrahams | Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director
Melbourne Fringe Festival |
| Ms Helen Coleman | Mayor
Nillumbik Shire Council |
| Ms Karen Dimmock | Business Services Manager
Centre for Multicultural Youth |
| Ms Rowena Doo | Executive Officer, Administration
Launch Housing |
| Mr Walter Harrison | Volunteer
Prisoner Visitor’s Scheme |
| Mr Daniel Leighton | Chief Executive Officer
Inclusion Melbourne |
| Ms Kylie Lewis | Volunteer
ONTrac at Peter Mac |
| Ms. Angela Malan | Director, Membership and Leadership Development
Life Saving Victoria |
| Mr Mark McAllion | Chief Executive Officer
Vicsport |
| Ms Gail McHardy | Executive Officer
Parents Victoria |
| Ms Elsie Mutton | Volunteer
President of U3A Network Victoria |
| Ms Sue Noble | Chief Executive Officer
Volunteering Victoria |
| Ms Casey Nunn | Operational Member
Craigieburn and District First Response Team |
| Ms Simone Power | Senior Manager, Volunteer Services
Brotherhood of St Laurence |
| Ms Gail Rodgers | Manager
Volunteering Geelong |
| Mr David Rowlands | Director , Alternate of the Central East Regional Council
Victoria Emergency Services Association |
| Ms Kate Torney | Chief Executive Officer
State Library of Victoria |
| Mr. Ian Walker | Director of Conservation
Conservation Volunteers Australia & New Zealand |
| Ms Zoe Waters | Director, Volunteer Services
Barwon Health |
| Mr Paul Wheelton, OAM | Board member
Blue Ribbon Foundation Day |
Reviewed 10 February 2021