Victorians are being urged to recognise local volunteer champions whose inspiring work has made a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today called for nominations for the 2017 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony on 23 May.
For nine years, the Minister for Health Volunteer Awards have highlighted and celebrated Victoria’s many volunteers and the significant contribution they make to public health care in Victoria.
They pay tribute to individuals and teams that demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment through volunteering in their community at hospitals, ambulance services, community health, mental health and aged care services.
Past volunteers have been honoured for their compassionate patient care, helping people to stay well and embrace healthier lifestyles, and supporting the vulnerable and marginalised to better access the services they need.
This year’s awards will recognise volunteering excellence across six categories:
- Outstanding achievement by a young volunteer
- Outstanding lifetime achievement
- Outstanding achievement by a volunteer: Better Care Victoria innovation award
- Outstanding achievement by a volunteer: Supporting diversity
- Outstanding achievement by a volunteer: Improving public health care
- Outstanding achievement by a volunteer: Improving the patient experience
In addition, the Victorian Health Volunteers Honour Roll recognises those volunteers who have given 50 years of service. Everyone who has contributed 50 years or more volunteering in public health care is eligible to be on the Honour Roll.
Nominations are now open and will close on Friday, 10 March. For more information or to nominate a volunteer visit www.health.vic.gov.au/volunteerawards
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Each and every day an army of volunteers in public health care are changing lives for the better.”
“While volunteers don’t seek recognition, it’s important we thank them and pay tribute to their inspiring work, kindness and commitment to improving quality of care for patients, clients and the community.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Carers and Volunteers Gabrielle Williams
“Volunteers are the backbone of our health system. I urge all Victorians to nominate a health volunteer for their tireless work.”