Premier

Labor Government Listening To Victoria's Volunteers

28 November 2015

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

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