Media release
For immediate release: 21 September 2015
Volunteering Victoria announces State Awards finalists
Volunteering Victoriatoday announced 22 finalists shortlisted across six categories for its inaugural State Awards.
“The response from the volunteering community to these Awards was tremendous. The judges were overwhelmed by the quality and range of nominations received that demonstrated volunteering excellence, innovation, energy and best practice in the sector,” said Claire Waters, Acting CEO and Manager Community Engagement, Volunteering Victoria.
Victoria’s first State Volunteering Awards showcases the commitment, diversity and impact of Victoria’s volunteer programs, volunteer managers and volunteer involving organisations.These Awards were developed in consultation with the volunteering sector, and in response to the need for inclusive awards that reflect the ways volunteering is evolving in new and innovative ways.
The Awards cover six categories: Innovation, Excellence, Inclusion, Impact, Thought Leadership, and Corporate. A panel of judges drawn from around the State considered nominations and shortlisted the finalists.
The ceremony to announce the winners will be held at Victoria’s Parliament House, Queens Hall on Thursday 5 November 2015 as part of International Volunteer Managers Day.
Innovation Award:–
For an innovative, unique volunteering program/model that engages volunteers and makes a significant contribution to the work of the volunteer involving organisation, improving their ability to respond to social challenges.
Finalists are:
-Ardoch Youth Foundation Volunteer Program- for Volunteer Professional Development Program
-Equestrian Victoria-for Equestrian Volunteer Development Program
-Volunteer Program Baptcare – for Pastoral Care - In Home Care
-Volunteer WestVolunteer Outreach program
Excellence Award:-
For a volunteer management team or individual demonstrating best practice in the management of volunteers and the delivery of programs by those volunteers.
Finalists are:
-Frances Fearn, Team Leader, Lunch with the Bunch Program, Wyndham City Council
-Heide Museum of Modern Art Volunteer Management Team
-Nillumbik Shire Council Volunteering Program
-Wendy Wood, Volunteer Coordinator, Guide Dogs Victoria
-Western Health Volunteer Management Team
Inclusion Award:-
For a volunteer program that encourages/achieves the inclusion of individuals or groups who are often excluded from the mainstream or traditional volunteering.
Finalists are:
-Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network,Australian Youth Climate Coalition
-STEP Volunteering Program,Sandybeach Centre
-Volunteering GeelongStep by Step Volunteer Mentor Program
-Volunteer West Volunteer Outreach program
Impact Award:-
A program or VIO that has made a positive, measurable and sustainable social, environmental and/or economic impact to community/individuals who are supported by the program.
Finalists are:
-Barwon Health Volunteer Services
-Children’s Protection Society- Mentoring Mums Program
-National Council of JewishWomen of Australia (Vic)- Caring Mums program
-Starlight Children’s Foundation Volunteer Program
Thought Leadership Award:-
For significant advancement in knowledge and research in volunteering.
Finalists are:
-Lorraine Raskin, Coordinator, Leisure Buddy Program, Inclusion Melbourne for her work in the program and beyond.
-Marianne Mahoney, Chair,Mercy Health Community Advisory Committee for advancing volunteer governance in the health sector.
-Shane Genziuk, Technology Manager and Doctoral Candidate (Non-Profit Studies) for his research on how corporate foundations could influence volunteering in how they choose to partner with non-profits.
-Sharon Walsh, Manager, Volunteer Services at Bendigo Health and founder/chair of the Leadership in Health Network for her contribution to and work on the benchmarking of health volunteer programs.
Corporate Award:-
For a company that has had a significant impact on a volunteer involving organisation through its employee volunteering program.
Kindly supported by Seek Volunteer, a winner will be announced on the night.
ENDS
Media inquiries:
Debora McInnes, Marketing and Media Consultant
03 8327 8500 / 0419 008 198 /
Level 2, 491 King Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003
t 03 8327 8500f 03 8327 8599e
ABN 79 378 017 212