Special 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.

Women'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.

Bonbeach 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 at the club which actively engage young women from migrant communities. Chelsey always has a smile and is the first to make everyone laugh.

Bowel 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.

Anglicare 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.

Gippsland 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.

Yooralla

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.

Asylum 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.

EdConnect 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 been the catalyst for many to pursue maths in VCE and beyond.