Congratulations to the outstanding volunteers and organisations shortlisted for the 2026 Victorian Volunteering Awards.
Volunteering Victoria is proud to partner with the Victorian Government to recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers and community organisations, and the vital role they play in building vibrant, connected communities.
With more than 450 nominations received, this year’s finalists highlight the extraordinary diversity and spirit of volunteering across Victoria.
Winners will be announced at the official ceremony on 8 October, including:
- 2026 Volunteer of the Year: One of the individual winners will receive the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award, including a $10,000 donation to a not-for-profit of their choice.
- 2026 Organisation of the Year: One of the organisation winners will receive the Volunteering Excellence Award, recognising their outstanding impact and leadership.
Individual Finalists:
There are 31 volunteers shortlisted across four individual categories:
Volunteer Commitment Award
- Anthony Hargreaves (Charlton)
- Georgia Sahinis (Thomastown)
- Joan Courtney (Moorabbin)
- June D’Cruz (Dandenong)
- Rob Mathew (Yarraville)
- Robert Lyng (St Kilda Beach)
- Robert Ward (Ardeer)
- Vinh Nguyen (Keilor Downs)
Volunteer Impact Award
- Deirdre Moss (Geelong)
- Helen Schaper (Grovedale)
- Jenani Therone (Keilor East)
- Negin Foroughimehr (Melbourne)
- Reena Rana (Aintree)
- Shelley McGuinness (Glen Iris)
- Simone Pearce (Avondale Heights)
- Tamsyn Hogarth (Olinda)
Volunteer Leadership Award
- Angelo D’Amore (Newlands Arm)
- Arun Thomas (Horsham)
- David Marsh (Highton)
- Deb Robertson (Ballarat)
- Jaqui O’Leary (Seaford)
- Jay de Graaff (Doncaster)
- Megan Stapleton (Moonee Ponds)
Young Volunteer Award
- Berelian Daghagheleh (Roxburgh Park)
- Gurvijay Singh Mahal (Tarneit)
- Lochie Antoniazzi (Melbourne)
- Natalie Smith (Box Hill)
- Phu Nguyen (Viewbank)
- Quinney Brownfield (Frankston)
- Rohan Richards (Warracknabeal)
- Shiao Lu Ooi (Melbourne)
Organisation Finalists:
There are 26 volunteer organisations shortlisted across four organisation categories:
Inclusive Volunteering Award
- Foodbank Victoria
- Maccabi FC Caulfield
- Olivia’s Place
- VincentCare – Ozanam House
- Rheola Charity Carnival
Volunteering Partnerships Award
- Bayside Community Emergency Relief
- Dementia Alliance
- Dress for Success Victoria
- It’s the Little Things Community
- Nurture the Future Foundation
- Life Saving Victoria – Safely Engaging with Water Program
Volunteering Innovation Award
- Epworth HealthCare
- Inclusion Melbourne
- Lazarus Community Centre
- Life Saving Victoria – Gippsland Sporting Hub
- Scouts Victoria
- Second Chance Animal Rescue
- Street Side Medics Victoria
- Transit Soup Kitchen And Food Support
Grassroots Volunteering Award
- 3081 Angels
- Activate Youth
- ARTFam
- Ethiopian Community Association of Victoria
- Loch Community Development Association
- The Chinese Stroke Support Group
- United Seniors
For more information about the Victorian Volunteering Awards, visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/awards
