Stonnington Volunteer Awards

Celebrates volunteers who support the creative sector through activities such as:

• providing services and expertise to support artistic outcomes across not-for-profit theatre, galleries, films, performances
• developing networks and advocacy for arts and culture groups
• being a mentor or positive role model within the local arts sector
• showing commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion across the arts.

Celebrates the enormous volunteer effort contributed to, and the opportunities provided by, not-for-profit organisations and / or community groups for the Stonnington community. Examples may include:

• assistance provided to people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged
• provision of inclusion and social connection programs
• assistance provided to diverse demographic and / or cultural groups
• material aid and / or emergency relief.

Celebrating volunteer activities that demonstrate strong community service in supporting communities and promoting inclusion, respect, and equity.

Examples may include:

• participation in local groups
• involvement with charity and non-profit organisations
• fundraising
• advocating for change or a cause
• being a mentor or positive role model for others.

Celebrates volunteers who contribute to environmental sustainability and climate health through activities such as:

• initiating a project to reduce energy use
• promoting recycling or protection of local wildlife
• engaging with the community through workshops
• working bees or meetings
• raising awareness about sustainability issues.

Celebrates the immense contribution to community wellbeing, inclusion, fitness and social connection generated by volunteers in sporting clubs and / or groups.

Examples may include:

• development programs
• demonstrating open and inclusive club culture
• initiating innovative activities
• contribution to club administration and/or operations. 

Celebrates the important and selfless impact of young people volunteering. Nominees will be young people, aged up to 25 years, who have contributed to the community, a cause, or a service through volunteering.

Examples may include:

• mobilising and organising peers and others to address an issue or opportunity
• being a mentor or positive role model for others
• involvement with a charity, community service, or community group
• demonstrating leadership or contributing for a cause

This Award recognises exceptional volunteering service and impact on community, a cause, group or organisation.

This Award is not open for nominations. The recipient of this award will be selected by the Evaluation Panel from outstanding candidates across all award categories. 

• Nominees do not need to live in the City of Stonnington but must have made a substantial contribution to the municipality through their volunteering.

• Community group nominees must be a group active within the municipality of at least four members.

• Nominees for the Young Person award must be aged under 25 years on 5 July 2025.  Individuals under the age of 18 must ensure they have permission from a parent and or legal guardian before accepting their nomination.

• Individuals cannot self-nominate to receive a Volunteer Award. Volunteers working with (but not employed by) community groups can self-nominate in the “Community Group” category only.

• Current serving Councillors and Council staff members are not eligible to be considered for these awards.  

The Volunteer Awards recognise people who have made an outstanding achievement or contribution towards our community through their hard work and dedication to volunteering.

Eligible applications will be assessed against the following criteria.

• How has the nominee made an outstanding contribution, through volunteering, to the Stonnington community during the past 12 months and/or over the span of several years?
• How has the nominee shown their commitment to serving the community?
• Through volunteering, what positive impact and difference has the nominee made?
• How does the nominee’s volunteering contribution stand out? Why does the nominee deserve the award?
• Has the nominee received any other awards for the achievements described in this nomination?
• Where relevant to the volunteering work, does the nominee hold a valid Working with Children Check?

Nominations must include the contact details of someone who is familiar with the achievements, contributions or volunteering of the Nominee who can act as a Referee. The Nominator and Referee cannot be the same person.

Applications can be supported or strengthened by including (a maximum of three) attachments, such as photographs, media, promotional materials. Note, this is optional. 

Nominations will be reviewed by an Evaluation Panel made up of Councillors and previous award winners. Winners will be selected by consensus at the Panel’s discretion. The Panel may choose not to present an award in a particular category if no suitable nomination is received, either due to a lack of submissions or nominations not meeting the required standard. All nominations will be considered in line with the Assessment Criteria outlined in the nomination form.

The Mayor’s Award is selected during the Evaluation Panel meeting from nominations received across all categories. It is not subject to evaluation based on the Assessment Criteria.

The Awards will be presented at the Volunteer Awards function on 30 October 2025. This event is open to all award nominees and their families. 

• The Volunteer Awards is being run and managed by City of Stonnington, 311 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, Victoria 3144 (Council).
• Nominations must be submitted through the online application form (or paper version) as provided by Council.
• All submitted nominations are deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions of Entry.
• One group/individual nomination will be accepted per form.
• Entries open on Monday, 19 May 2025 and all entries must be received by no later than Friday, 4 July 2025 at 5pm.
• Individuals or individuals acting on behalf of organisations may submit nominations.
• Individuals cannot self-nominate to receive a Volunteer Award. Volunteers working with (but not employed by) Community groups can self-nominate in the “Community Group” category only.
• Winners will be awarded in the following categories: Arts & Culture, Community Group, Community Service, Environmental Sustainability, Sport, Young Person, and Mayoral Award.
• All nomination information and material submitted is handled in accordance with City of Stonnington Information Privacy Policy. City of Stonnington is committed to compliance with its obligations under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). All personal information (including images) collected by the Nominee will be used for Council business purposes and kept confidential, except as permitted in the above Terms and Conditions of Entry. These details will not be disclosed to third parties unless the Council is required to disclose the information under other legislation or disclosure is necessary to complete the purpose for which it is sought. Copies of the Council’s Information Privacy and Data Protection Policy, together with details of how you may contact Council, are located on Council’s website https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/
• All enquiries and submitted information regarding the awards are to remain confidential (with the exception of winners) unless permission is obtained by the City of Stonnington.