Outstanding Victorian volunteers were congratulated at a special ceremony at Government House today.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos, recognised the work of 60 amazing individuals at the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.
The awards cover five categories – leadership, service, teamwork, impact and change maker.
The recipients represent a diverse range of communities, places and stories, reflecting the significant role volunteers play in creating more connected, happier and healthier communities.
The joint winners of the prestigious Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award were announced at the ceremony:
- Celia Tran, an inspirational young person who provides leadership across various causes and organisations supporting multicultural youth, refugees and asylum seekers, and disadvantaged youth in Melbourne’s west, and
- Bruce Pennicott, who for over 15 years has made a huge difference to the lives of children with severe cerebral palsy. He and his team have designed, built and delivered thousands of specialised mobility aids at no cost to the families.
Both Celia and Bruce are excellent examples of the diversity and far-reaching value and impact of volunteering in Victoria.
The Government recognises that volunteers make an enormous contribution to the health, happiness, and resilience of Victorian communities.
The Ministerial Council for Volunteers, which is chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Volunteers Gabrielle Williams, is responsible for overseeing the Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards and advising the government on how best to support and strengthen volunteering.
To see the full list of award recipients, go to
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“I congratulate this outstanding group of people who have contributed so much to Victoria.”
“The Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards recognise the vital role volunteers play in our overall community resilience and happiness.”
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Volunteers Gabrielle Williams
“These awards are about celebrating volunteers and their enormous contribution to Victoria. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients, and thank you all volunteers who give their time every day to help others.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020