Earlier this month, FYA grant partner WYPIN (Western Young People’s Independent Network) was honoured at the inaugural Premier’s Community Volunteering Awards.
At a ceremony at the Melbourne Museum December 4th, Premier John Brumby and Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor presented the award, which is one of several awards to make up a key part of the Victorian Government’s $9.3 million volunteering strategy.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Victoria’s strong communities. Volunteers are leaders in the community and they are people who build communities and hold them together,” Mr Brumby said. “That is why we believe it is important to recognise and celebrate their great work at these awards.”
Nine outstanding volunteers and not-for-profit organisations were recognised for successful volunteering leadership, innovation, and achievement in regional and metropolitan communities. WYPIN took home the Young People’s Community Participation Award (Metropolitan) as well as $5000 to support their work.
WYPIN is a group of young people of refugee and migrant backgrounds aged 12-25 years, dedicated to challenging racism in the community, and empowering young people to develop programs and activities in line with their needs and aspirations. WYPIN serves as a voice for refugee young people in the Western Melbourne region, and frequently speaks to local and federal ministers in response to community concerns. Visit their website for more information about their goals and programs.
This year’s winners of the Premier’s Community Volunteering Awards include:
- Community Volunteering Leadership Award (Regional) - Yvonne Evans from Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre, Mt Beauty;
- Community Volunteering Leadership Award (Metropolitan) - Sandy Dudakov from FareShare, Abbotsford;
- Young People’s Community Participation Award – (Regional) - Red Carpet Youth Awards Advisory Committee, Wodonga;
- Young People’s Community Participation Award (Metropolitan) – Western Young People’s Independent Network, Footscray;
- Community Volunteering Innovation Award (Regional) - Birallee Park Neighbourhood House Inc, Wodonga;
- Community Volunteering Innovation Award (Metropolitan) - Volunteer West, Footscray;
- Community Volunteering Achievement Award (Regional) - Fitted for Work, Mornington Peninsula, Rosebud;
- Community Volunteering Achievement Award (Regional) - Elmore Charity Ball Committee Inc, Elmore; and
- Community Volunteering Achievement Award (Metropolitan) - TADVIC Co-operative Ltd, Kew
The awards were created to recognise not-for-profit groups and organisations that offer opportunities for people to become involved in volunteering, as well as individuals who provide leadership in volunteering organisations. The government hopes this recognition and financial investment will encourage more people to get involved, and help build stronger communities.
Visit the Premier’s website for more details, and a list of finalists.
