Office of the Public Advocate

In 27 years as a community guardian for the Office of the Public Advocate, Alison has helped with many complex cases on behalf of people who are no longer able to make decisions for themselves, often elderly people with dementia. Alison’s role is highly challenging, and requires a great deal of care and sensitivity at a difficult point in a family’s life.

Mordialloc-Braeside Junior Football Club

Thanks significantly to Brooke’s volunteering, Mordialloc-Braeside is one of the largest junior sporting clubs in the City of Kingston and the South Metro Junior Football League. She works tirelessly to provide children with a fun, safe and rewarding sporting experience. Brooke inspires everyone to do their best, and constantly strives to improve the club and connect it with the community.

St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria)

Christine began serving the Victorian community when she joined St John at just 10 years of age. She is now a senior leader, opening young people to the value of involvement in first aid and volunteerism. Christine's contribution to the St John Youth program has enabled hundreds of young people to learn life-saving first aid skills and realise their leadership potential.

genU Karingal St Laurence

Edna has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of frail older people at Costa Aged Care in Lara for 30 years. Edna has devoted four hours a day, almost every day of the year, working in the kiosk and tea trolley service, providing residents with the dignity and joy of purchasing their own small gifts and treats.

Northeast Health Wangaratta

Elva has volunteered for more than 30 years at Northeast Health Wangaratta. Ten years ago, Elva was asked to lead the newly created Emergency Department Liaison Volunteer team. Elva developed it into the essential role it has today, providing patients and families with support and practical assistance. Elva is known for her compassion and insight into how best to help people during a challenging time.

Office of the Public Advocate

Over the last 11 years Ernest has helped hundreds of people with a cognitive disability in police interviews and prison hearings, supporting them in what can be very intimidating environments. Ernest has never refused a request to assist, and provides real comfort and assurance to everyone he helps in this complex and challenging role.

City of Whitehorse

Known for his ‘heart of gold’, Frank has enriched the lives of many people, particularly the frail and elderly, by delivering them Meals on Wheels and assisting at the drop in dining room in the City Of Whitehorse. For four days a week for 16 years, Frank has provided practical assistance and a sense of connection for people across his community.

City of Greater Dandenong

For 15 years Heather has been entirely committed to her role as a volunteer with the Food Services and Planned Activity Programs, providing elderly and disabled clients with care, attention, and respect. Heather’s sincerity and compassion with clients in the Memory Support Group ensures that everyone feels cared for and valued.

Carlton Housing Estates Residents Services, Carlton Legal Service, Estate Computers

After a significant career as a solicitor and senior public servant, Ian now uses his considerable experience to provide free legal advice and representation for  public housing residents. For more than eight years, he has helped hundreds of people including new migrants (many who have English as a second or third language), deal with the complex Australian legal system.

Craigieburn Basketball, Craigieburn Relay for Life and 3064 Sporting Groups

An ultimate all rounder, Jason’s boundless enthusiasm and leadership are invaluable to basketball in Craigieburn. To date he has helped encourage more than 220,000 local people into the sport. After decades of volunteer service, Jason continues to help kids get active and also raises money for the fight against cancer through Craigieburn Relay for Life.

St Mary's House of Welcome

Whether he is in the kitchen or collecting food donations, John is a hardworking member of the team at St Mary’s House of Welcome in Clifton Hill. Clients and staff love his calm energy and ability to take everything in his stride. In particular, John takes older homeless men and refugees on fishing trips, building social connections and emotional support.

Brimbank and Wyndham Communities

Mehak began volunteering at a young age across a wide range of organisations for the benefit of many in the community. Her work extends from initiatives for children, the community and education to legal advocacy, human rights, and multicultural and migrant support. Mehak is passionate about creating social and cultural change, and committed to building bridges for isolated groups of people.

Golden Square Football Netball Club

Michael has given 50 years of service to the Golden Square Football Netball Club and still finds time for many other local initiatives, including more than a decade as a presenter on Fresh FM 101.5 community radio and ten years with Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise. Michael is also recognised for his outstanding contribution to Bendigo Heritage Attractions (Tramways Division) since 1972.

Probus, Lions, Girl Guides, Salvation Army and Caritas

Nancy has spent more than 65 years volunteering for an array of organisations including Probus and Lions. She was a Girl Guide Leader for 15 years and a member of Caritas for 40 years, and knitted beanies for premature and stillborn babies for 13 years. Nancy has put others first throughout her life and continues to do so today.

Victoria State Emergency Service

Hardworking and community minded, Ron has served as Unit Controller of the Chelsea State Emergency Service Unit for 24 years. His dedication helped his unit receive Divisional Commendations from Victoria Police, for outstanding local contributions. Ron’s efforts have included leading local activities to raise awareness and mitigation of flooding risk, and supporting the broader Victorian community during Black Saturday fires and Mildura floods.

Friends of Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve

Steve's dedication to nature is unsurpassed. His encyclopaedic knowledge of flora and fauna has guided and inspired the Friends of Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve in Portarlington for almost 20 years. Steve is also president of the Bellarine Catchment Network and has built longstanding relationships with naturalist groups who are vital to the area’s ecology.

Echuca Community

Theresa’s long-term commitment to the people of Echuca, to cancer research and to Echuca Regional Health oncology, is inspirational. Her lifetime of volunteering includes 16 years at St Vincent de Paul selling donated goods, and as President of the welfare section of St Vincent de Paul Conference, she works every week with local families in need.

National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

As a dedicated volunteer for the National Trust over 29 years, Tom’s passion is the social history of Rippon Lea mansion. Thanks to him, thousands of visitors have been enriched by the stories of the families who lived on the estate. Tom's dedication has helped keep a magnificent part of Melbourne’s history alive.