- Published:
- Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 12:00 pm
Victoria’s dedicated volunteers and the organisations they power deserve to be recognised.
Minister Spence is calling on Victorians to nominate the outstanding people and groups making a difference in their community.
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Victorian Volunteering Awards.
The awards celebrate excellence across eight categories, including:
- Young Volunteer Award
- Volunteer Commitment Award
- Volunteer Leadership Award
- Volunteer Impact Award
- Inclusive Volunteering Award
- Volunteering Innovation Awards
- Volunteering Partnerships Award
- Grassroots Volunteering Award
The Volunteer of the Year, selected from the individual categories, will receive the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award and a $10,000 donation to a not-for-profit of their choice.
Last year saw a total of 447 nominations, including Glenys Watts who was named Volunteer of the Year.
Glenys is a tireless advocate for Indigenous health, family violence prevention and culturally safe services.
For more than 30 years she’s been pivotal in shaping resilient communities, including through her work establishing the Wirram Warrain Gathering Place and with Ngwala Willumbong.
Nominations close on Wednesday, 27 May.
For more information or to nominate visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/awards.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence
“Victoria’s volunteers are the quiet achievers behind so much of what makes our communities strong – these awards are our chance to shine a light on them.”
“Whether it’s their time, skills or lived experience, every volunteer brings something unique.”
“The Allan Labor Government is proud to celebrate the people who show up for others.”
Quote attributable to Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive Geoff Sharp
“Volunteers and the organisations they support rarely seek recognition, which is why your nomination matters. By nominating for the Victorian Volunteering Awards, you help celebrate their contributions and inspire others to follow.”