2018 - home | volunteer.vic · to psychology and yoga, nika’s outgoing character and remarkable...

2018

Showcase

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Contents

Message from the Governor i

Message from the Premier ii

Introduction 1

Volunteer of the Year 2

Leadership 3

Impact 5

Service 8

Teamwork 13

Highly Commended 14

Message from the Governor

Message on the occasion of the presentation of the 2018 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards

The Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards give us the opportunity to thank some outstanding representatives of the more than 1.5 million Victorians who regularly volunteer their talent and their time to help improve the lives of those around them.

We know that our State’s volunteers act without expectation of praise or recognition, but we need to recognise them. They deserve it. But it also helps to make us all feel stronger, when we shine a light on their generosity of spirit.

On behalf of all Victorians, I would like to congratulate each of the 2018 Awards nominees. Individually and collectively, you help make Victoria a more cohesive, harmonious and supportive place to live.

The Honourable Linda Dessau AC Governor of Victoria

i

Message from the Premier

Across Victoria, volunteers from all walks of life give their time and skills to help improve the lives of others and their communities, and I am always inspired by their generosity of spirit and commitment.

Volunteers enrich our communities in many different ways. From supporting people experiencing vulnerability, protecting our environment, culture and heritage, or promoting healthy communities - volunteers help make Victoria a fairer and more inclusive place to live.

These Awards recognise the vital role that our volunteers play in creating happier, healthier and well-connected communities, and celebrate all the people who commit themselves to a cause or organisation and the incredible impact they achieve.

I congratulate each of this year’s nominees, and thank all of Victoria’s volunteers for their passion, dedication and commitment.

The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP MP Premier of Victoria

ii 2018 Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards

Introduction

The Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of all volunteers in Victoria.

Across all ages and from all walks of life, volunteers provide a wide range of services, activities and support to Victorian people, communities and causes.

Volunteers respond to emergencies. They work with the vulnerable and the disadvantaged, reducing social isolation and improving health and wellbeing. Volunteers teach, mentor and inspire, or represent their communities. They run clubs, groups and events, they fundraise and advocate.

Most significantly, volunteers sacrifice their own time and resources. They are the heart and soul of Victoria and our community is stronger for their time, care, and commitment.

In 2018, 40 award winners (including 54 volunteers) across four categories have been selected. These awardees come from across Victoria, and from a wide range of volunteering roles.

The Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award has been selected from all Award recipients.

1

Sue Lopez AtkinsonEarly years educationImpact

A powerhouse of energy, intellect and wisdom, Sue is a proud Yorta Yorta woman and early childhood educator who, working with her community, has collectively put culturally relevant education into policy and practice. Sue has spent years supporting, teaching, explaining, sharing, laughing and encouraging, to achieve respect and justice for her people.

Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award

2 2018 Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards

Leadership

Bartlomiej KolodziejczykScientists in Residence Ltd.

Bartlomiej’s extraordinary leadership has enabled him to create two successful not-for-profit organisations that open up students to STEM opportunities and have so far provided more than 100 related internships. Bartlomiej is a true connector, partnering with government and industry to deliver events like Melbourne Knowledge Week. His international professional experience and educational background helps him overcome any challenge.

Elvis MartinMelbourne City Mission, R U OK Day, Council of Homeless Persons, National Youth Commission

An empowering voice for young people with disadvantaged lives, Elvis draws on personal experience to help parents accept their children as part of the LGBTIQ+ community. His advocacy knows no bounds on issues including mental health, domestic violence, homelessness and suicide prevention. Humble and inspiring, Elvis has a rare ability to make people feel great about themselves.

Deidre BidmadeWarrnambool and District Community Hospice Inc.

Deidre’s passion to improve end of life care in the Warrnambool community led to the development of the Hospice in the Home program. Thanks to her unwavering commitment, families caring for a dying relative at home can now be helped in this difficult time by volunteers trained through the program. Deidre’s devotion to helping families manage such difficult experiences is an inspiration to all who meet her.

Franco ScalzoManningham Inclusive Community Housing and Doncaster All Abilities Basketball

Indispensable to so many community activities over 20 years, Franco’s volunteer work has focused on bringing groups together to create appropriate housing for people with disabilities, as well as engaging people in the Doncaster All Abilities Basketball competition. His calmness, strong work ethic and integrity has brought enjoyment and social justice to hundreds of people with a disability.

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Irene KellyKnox City Council and Knox Environment Society

Thanks to Irene’s dedication and drive, together with support from a team of Gardens for Wildlife volunteers, almost 800 households in Knox have now planted indigenous species to encourage local wildlife. The program Irene created with Knox City Council 12 years ago is such a success it is now replicated by other councils in the eastern suburbs. Irene has worked tirelessly to achieve this vision and continues to inspire many others to join her journey.

Kevin O’CallaghanCraigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee, State Emergency Service and Community Emergency Response Team

Volunteering for over 40 years, Kevin’s list of ‘firsts’ include leading the development of Victoria’s initial Community Emergency Response Team in Craigieburn; initiating a local ANZAC Day service that now attracts over 3,000 people. Kevin has served as a State Emergency Service (SES) controller and lead the formation of Victoria’s first SES Museum. Kind and collaborative, Kevin is an inspirational mentor for many local community groups.

Nika SuwarsihIndonesian Women’s Friendship Network

For more than 10 years Nika has helped many migrant mothers and their children feel at home in Australia through her diligent and creative work with multicultural women’s programs in south-eastern Melbourne. Educated in everything from hospitality to psychology and yoga, Nika’s outgoing character and remarkable ability to organise and engage have generated life-changing opportunities for hundreds of women and their families.

Leadership

Shillar SibandaAfrica Day Australia Inc.

Shillar’s capacity to relate to people from all walks of life and backgrounds makes her immensely effective in helping address social issues faced by African Australian communities, in building and celebrating their many successes. Shillar’s work is as diverse as supporting health activities through to creating an annual Gala Dinner. Visionary and strategic, Shillar’s passion is community, and it shows in all she does.


Alana BaldiSpecial Olympics Victoria, Cricket Australia, Cricket Shepparton, Cricket Victoria

Alana puts boundless energy into creating opportunities for people with a disability to play sport and participate in the community in Shepparton and beyond across many sports, but especially in cricket. Alana shares her sporting and mentoring skills as coach and carer, event organiser and committee member, and has supported athletes with a disability for Special Olympics Victoria and Cricket Australia.

Beverley KligerWomen’s Property Initiatives

As a founder of Women’s Property Initiatives 21 years ago, Beverley is driven to provide permanent, affordable housing for women and children facing homelessness. She selflessly gives her time and talents to innovate and collaborate with developers, philanthropists and government. A highly active board member, Beverley’s energy, ideas and strategic input are perpetually inspiring.

Impact

Chelsey ReindelBonbeach Life Saving Club

Chelsey’s passion for lifesaving and volunteering motivates her to complete over 80 hours patrolling each season, coach a nippers group, and contribute to multicultural programs which actively engage young women from migrant communities. Chelsey always has a smile and is the first to make everyone laugh.

Julie TonerBowel Cancer Australia

Julie’s resolve to help people with cancer is driven by personal experience and a determination to make everyone’s life as positive as possible. She gives her all whether it is as a team captain in Relay for Life or coordinating fundraisers for Bowel Cancer Australia. A born motivator, Julie has inspired an army of supporters through her own willingness to be there for people in need.

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Kim BoltonAnglicare Victoria

Kim’s selfless dedication is as strong today as when she started as a foster carer 28 years ago. Most recently, Kim cancelled her Christmas Day plans to take on a newborn with drug addiction, taking care of everything, even collecting the baby from hospital herself. Kim’s compassion and understanding has given generations of children the start in life they deserve.

Melissa FergusonGippsland Farmer Relief Inc

Melissa founded Gippsland Farmer Relief Inc two years ago to collect food donations in her home and distribute them to farmers in need. Now her efforts have inspired a whole community. With a warehouse and office in Traralgon and teams of volunteers helping with deliveries, donations and counselling, Melissa is spreading hope to farmers and families throughout the region.

Peter JohnstoneYooralla

Peter has been an enduring contributor to Yooralla, from participating in the 1970’s telethon as a child, to his valued strategic contributions today as part of Yooralla’s Community Partnerships Committee. Whether he is bringing the customer’s voice into the organisation, helping encourage worker recruitment, or speaking candidly in public about his experiences, the community is a more inclusive place because of Peter’s passion and humanity.

Sheelagh PurdonAsylum Seeker Resource Centre

Sheelagh’s contagious energy and enthusiasm has helped recruit and develop volunteer teams during a decade of work at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. She pioneered initiatives including a flagship employment program commended by Oxford University for its innovation, leadership and human-centred design. A rare gem, Sheelagh adds incalculable value for people seeking asylum.

Impact


Yong WongEdConnect Australia

For seven years Yong has been indispensable to the Glenroy Secondary College maths program. A retired teacher, he dedicates up to five hours every day to patiently help students build skills and confidence in maths. This quiet and modest volunteer has opened the minds of students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and has been the catalyst for many to pursue maths in VCE and beyond.

Impact

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Service

Alison GribbleOffice 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, including 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.

Brooke HannafordMordialloc-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.

Christine MorrisonSt 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.

Edna EdgegenU 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.


Frank WrightCity 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.

Heather HanrattyCity 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.

Elva LovettNortheast 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.

Ernie GreenOffice of the Public Advocate

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

Service

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Ian CunliffeCarlton 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.

Jason MooreCraigieburn 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.

John BlackstockSt 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.

Mehak SheikhBrimbank 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.

Service


Michael LowtherGolden 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.

Nancy WinderProbus, 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.

Ronald FitchVictoria 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.

Steve BoothroydFriends 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.

Service

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Theresa JacobsEchuca 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.

Service

Tom Fitz Gibbon 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.


Teamwork

13

Dyslexia Victoria Support (DVS) Admin TeamCarolyn Merritt, Heidi Gregory, Sarah Asome

Described as the ‘heart and soul’ of Victoria’s Dyslexic Community, the DVS Administration Team work around the clock to give online support and advice to thousands of people on screening, assessments, assistive technologies, and targeted interventions. The team displays initiative, courage and open mindedness, and have developed essential resources, fostered local support groups, convened events and advocated for people with dyslexia.

Interchange Meals TeamBen Hanewald, Briony Pedelty, Chelsea Matheson, Dominique Ressom, Josh Hardstaff, Kaisha Ottobre, Sarah Wyatt, Terry Markoulakis

Thanks to the initiative and cooperation of this group of eight young volunteers with a disability, isolated seniors now connect every week in Yarra Junction over a healthy, freshly-cooked meal. Food aside, the greatest benefits for young and old are lasting intergenerational friendships, sharing of stories, and the confidence gained through building community connections.

Building the Boardwalk in Bunyip State ParkChris Shattock, David Peake, Doug Crompton, Jeff Mayes, Jeff McDonell, Neil Burden

The Bayside Bushwalking Club takes its sponsorship of the Freeman’s Mill Track in the Bunyip State Forest very seriously. Over two years and many working bees, its volunteers designed, planned and built an extensive boardwalk with their own hands. More than 600 hours of teamwork and elbow grease, plus a financial contribution from the club, have made this track available for all walkers to enjoy throughout the year.

Highly Commended

Service Award

Colin Adams

Amy Andrew

Jane Blackie

Sonya Boloski

Jeannie Bongers

Tom Budd

Glenda Burke

Donald Cadwallader

Barry Cann

Timothy Carson

Alexander Cole

Thomas Conley

Josie Cornish

Timothy Court

Chris Crabbe

Nipuni Dissanayake

Elaine Duyvestyn

Jessica Elson

Sonali Fernando

Lynn Gerdtz

Toni Gray

Jenni Green

Beth Grosser

Gareth Hanlon

Alma Hare

Patsy Heffernan

Arthur Humphreys

Danny Jonas

Joan Keating

Neil Kerlogue

Gail Knight

Cheryl Linke

Elizabeth Logan

Christiane Mamotte

Leslie Mather

John Meade

Mary Meade

Jenny McLean

Rosemary McNamara

Ross McVea

Lee Michod

Nicole Nelson

Ruth Nicholls

Catherine Oddie

Robert Olifiers

Peter Oram

Con Pagonis

Lindsay Pritchard

Reg Poxon

Reegan Quick

Ariel de Ramos

Ana Rufatt-Ruiz

Marg Ryan

Said A. Said

Sam Santoro

Graeme Schober

Rachel Sutton

Jett Trewarn

Joan Walker

Jeffery Williams

Dennis Whelan

John Wnek


Highly Commended

Leadership Award

Scott Barnes

Dilnaz Billimoria

Andrew Cameron

Glenn Cooper

Andrea Cross

Vedran Drakulic

David Green

Graeme Green

Frances Hardy

Debbie Jans Van Corler

Sunny Saksham Katyal

Allan King

Leigh Marshall

Laurie McQuade

Elizabeth Mulhall

Gary Murray

Murray Ray

Ben Roarty

Nathan Rogers

Steve Rosbrook

Vicki Shuttleworth

Les Smith

Shirley Sydenham

Wida Tausif

Belinda Trembath

Deepak Vinayak

Rose Vincent

Heather Wall

Chris Wyatt

Impact Award

Alice Bayley

Carl Baverstock

Dianne Benson

Trevor Brown

Tamara Collins

Sarah Croston

David Cudmore

Deborah Henry

Kevin Lenepveu

Jody Letts

Dianna Linton

Andrew MacNeill

Jacinta Martin

Carol McDonald

Glenda McIntrye

Deidre Moss

Emily Odorisio

John Prior

Kate Quin

June Rea

Bev Rethus

Coral Robertson

Mellem Rose

Laura Rostron

Hakki Suleyman

Peter Shallard

Kerry Stanek

Kaye Speed

Debbie Taylor

Christine Thirkell

Craig Warner

Jeffrey Xia

Chi Zheng Zhong

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Highly Commended

Teamwork Awards

Bayside Bushwalking Club

Patricia Clark; Robert Clark, Geoff Trist and Colin Turner

Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee

John Lynch and Kevin O’Callaghan

Elmore Library Agency volunteer team

Patricia Ash; Kate Canavan; Mary Carter; Lee Davison; Wendy Detscher; Mary Elsasser; Sharon Foxley; Honnie Lonsdale, Mal MacRaild and Marilyn Morrell

Frankston Men’s Shed Volunteers

Ian Bannerman; Bruce Barnes; Frank Candelin; Andrew Cuddihy; John Darke, Garry Farmer; Rob Keevers; Jack Ruddell, Keith Stephens and Tony Stroud

Gulf Station

Lesley Barnes; Irene Kearsey; Neil Moir; Peter Petherbridge, Mike Ridley and Pam Viccars

Humans in Geelong

Althea Abraham; Jacqui Bennett; Charion Botha; Brandon Dellow; Stephanie Downing; Phil Hines; Rini Lombard; Rosemary Nugent, Rebecca Picone and Kathy Ryan

Hume City Swimming Club

Zlatko Bubalovski; Aruna Colombathantri; Felicity Hume, Mark Montealegre and Melissa Montealegre

Immunisation Centre Volunteer Assistants

Sabrina Bassal; Antoinette Chaia; Sandra Davidson; Sue Eede; Maria Mastroianni; Rebecca Mullan, Jeannette Quinn and Susi Tevaseu

Melbourne Rotary - Around the Bay support

Trevor Nink and James Orchard

Penguin Study Group

Mel Carron; Betty Chambers; Lynda Chambers; Tony Dornom; Austin McLaughlin; Barb Sharp; Mary Ellen Talmage, Spencer Unthank and Anne Walter

That’s The Thing About Fishing

Erin Duff; Jess Emeny; Mark Emeny; Amy King; Josh Telford; Luke O’Brien; Peter Sjardeema; Ian West, Jon Wolter and Amy Woods

Youth Empowerment Roadshow

Jack Crawford; Teegan Crawford; Trinity Crawford; Oliver Massey; Izzy Massey; Christian Meyer, Kaitlyn Schurmann and Meah Sharkey


To receive this publication in an accessible format phone 03 9096 7302, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards <[email protected]>

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

© State of Victoria, Australia, Department of Health and Human Services September 2018.

In this document, ‘Aboriginal’ refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ‘Indigenous’ or ‘Koori/Koorie’ is retained when part of the title of a report, program or quotation.

ISBN 978-1-76069-566-8 (Print) ISBN 978-1-76069-567-5 (pdf/online/MS word)

Available at Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards <www.volunteer.vic.gov.au/awards>

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2018 - home | volunteer.vic · to psychology and yoga, nika’s outgoing character and remarkable...

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