Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Victorian Volunteering Awards, announced on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the RACV City Club in Melbourne.
Volunteering Victoria is proud to partner with the Victorian Government to present the Victorian Volunteering Awards, recognising the remarkable contributions of volunteers who help build stronger, more connected communities.
Each year, the Awards celebrate the people and organisations making a difference through volunteering. From individuals giving their time to causes they care about, to volunteer-led organisations responding to the needs of their local communities, they shine a light on the many ways volunteering shapes life across our state.
This year’s finalists and winners reflect the generosity and community spirit found in every corner of Victoria. While their stories and contributions are diverse, they represent just a fraction of the 3.3 million Victorians who volunteer.
The 2026 Victorian Volunteering Awards ceremony brought together finalists, nominators, community leaders and organisations to recognise these contributions and celebrate the impact of volunteering across Victoria.
Congratulations to all our 2026 finalists and award recipients, and thank you to every Victorian who gives their time and care to supporting others.
Individual award winners:
- Volunteer of the Year – Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award: Vinh Nguyen
- Volunteer Leadership Award: Deb Robertson
- Volunteer Impact Award: Jenani Therone
- Volunteer Commitment Award: Vinh Nguyen
- Young Volunteer Award: Phu Nguyen
Organisation award winners:
- Volunteering Excellence – Volunteer Involving Organisation of the Year: Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support
- Inclusive Volunteering Award: VincentCare – Ozanam House
- Volunteering Partnerships Award: Nurture the Future Foundation
- Volunteering Innovation Award: Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support
- Grassroots Volunteering Award: Ethiopian Community Association of Victoria
Read more about the winners via our website below:
”“It can be easy to scroll through the news and lose sight of the good happening around us. This year’s Victorian Volunteering Award recipients offer a powerful reminder of the care and generosity we see in communities every day. They represent just a fraction of the millions of Victorians who volunteer, whose actions say so much about who we are as a state.”
Geoff SharpCEO, Volunteering Victoria
