Volunteers who selflessly give up their time to help others will be recognised across the state, with nominations now open for the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, is inviting everyone in Ballarat to nominate volunteers who are making a real impact in the community, so they can be rewarded for their hard work and dedication.

The awards will recognise up to 60 volunteers across the state in the categories of Leadership, Impact, Service, and Teamwork.

Ms Addison said volunteers were an invaluable part of communities across Ballarat.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our great city and their contribution is what makes this such a great place,” Ms Addison said.

“I encourage people across Ballarat to nominate a volunteer who makes a positive impact in our community and is a role model to others,” she said.

The Andrews Government invested $500,000 over two years in the 2018-19 Victorian State Budget to support volunteering initiatives, including innovative technological applications and leadership training programs.

In 2016-17, the Labor Government also made a 20 per cent increase to ongoing funding for peak body, Volunteering Victoria.

At the awards ceremony later this year, one worthy recipient will receive the 2019 Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award and $10,000 to donate to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.

Nominations for the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards 2019 are open until 28 June. For more information, visit https://volunteer.vic.gov.au/awards