Fifty one outstanding Victorian volunteers were recognised today at a ceremony held at Government House for the 2015 Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.
The Honourable Linda Dessau AM, Governor of Victoria, His Honour Judge Anthony Howard, Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Gabrielle Williams, presented the awards to outstanding Victorians from all walks of life right across the state.
Award categories included Outstanding Adult Volunteers, Outstanding Youth Volunteers, and Outstanding Volunteer Teams from metropolitan, rural and regional areas.
The winner of the 2015 Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award, Victoria’s highest accolade for volunteers, was Mr Wayne Etcell. Wayne has contributed enormously to his community for over 42 years, including with the Tyabb Fire Brigade, the Chelsea Lifesaving Club, the Chelsea Scouts Group, and as an Honorary Bail Justice and Justice of the Peace.
More than 1.5 million Victorians participate in formal volunteering. These volunteering contributions were worth an estimated $23 billion to the state economy in 2011, and are projected to increase to $42.1 billion by 2021.
The Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards are the state’s most prestigious annual awards that formally recognise, thank and celebrate volunteers for the vital role they play in building and supporting stronger, healthier and more connected communities in Victoria.
Earlier this year the Premier announced the establishment of the Ministerial Council for Volunteers to advise the government on how best to support and strengthen the volunteer sector. Membership of the council will be announced shortly.
To see the full list of this year’s Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards recipients please visit
Quotes attributable to Premier, Daniel Andrews
”The latest figures show more than 1.5 million Victorians participate in formal volunteering. We simply couldn’t do without this enormous contribution to our communities.”
“Many of this year’s award recipients volunteer for several organisations, giving their time and skills to local sports clubs, emergency services, caring for vulnerable Victorians, and to helping the environment.”
“Congratulations to the volunteer champions of 2015, thank you for all your hard work. I’m sure today will inspire many more Victorians to begin volunteering in their own communities.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021