State Government media release - Sunday 27 October 2013
The incredible contribution of Victoria's volunteers will be recognised by a new state award, the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award, Premier Denis Napthine announced at a garden picnic event at Cruden Farm near Langwarrin, today.
Dr Napthine said the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Awards recognise the outstanding contribution volunteers make to the community, with the top award named in honour of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, who was one of Victoria's great philanthropists.
“Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was a generous, humble and loving benefactor. Her life was about improving other people’s circumstances,” Dr Napthine said.
A volunteer from Moe, Mr Darell Benjamin OAM, who has raised almost $1 million for the Royal Children's Hospital, was named as the state's first Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award winner at today's event.
“Mr Benjamin is a terrific winner of the first Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award. He represents the genuine grass roots community volunteer who are the heart of the soul of many local communities across the state,” Dr Napthine said.
Mr Benjamin, 85, has been raising money for the Royal Children’s Good Friday Appeal since 1978. In 2004 he was awarded the Latrobe City Citizen of the Year award and in 2008 he received an Order of Australia Medal for his year-round fundraising efforts.
Mr Benjamin’s significant contribution to the community includes his involvement with the Moe Lions Club and as a group leader for intellectually, physically and mentally handicapped Boy Scouts.
As part of the award, Mr Benjamin received $10,000 for his chosen charity.
Dr Napthine also announced the members of the Awards Committee, who would provide advice on nominations for the awards, which from 2014 will include the following categories:
· Victorian Volunteer of the Year - The Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
Award - $10,000 to chosen charity.
· Senior Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.
· Youth Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.
· Regional Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.
· Metropolitan Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen
charity.
· New Resident of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.
The Awards Committee includes Mr Craig Lapsley, Fire Services Commissioner Victoria and Board Member Volunteering Victoria, Mrs Janet Calvert-Jones, Murdoch family member and Ms Julie Pettett, CEO of Wimmera Volunteers.
The Committee will be chaired by The Hon Jeff Kennett AC, the Chairman of beyondblue, which has successfully worked to improve services and change attitudes to depression and anxiety since 2000.
“There are about 1.5 million volunteers in Victoria who give their time and effort to improve the lives of people in hardship. Volunteer work is not just about helping others, it’s also about making our society a better place for everyone,” Dr Napthine said.
More than 100 volunteers from charity organisations across Victoria attended the event at the beautiful garden setting of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s home.
