Well-known Indian-Australian lawyer Molina Swarup Asthana and RMIT University academic Dr Raju Adhikari have been announced as finalists along with 26 other outstanding Victorian volunteers who have generously given their time and skills to make this state an even better place to live.
Molina is a finalist in the Volunteer Impact Award category and is associated with Multicultural Women in Sport & Gymnastics Victoria.
This award celebrates people whose volunteering has made a remarkable difference for people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in Victoria.
She told The Australia Today that it is an honour to be recognised as a finalist in the 2023 Volunteer Awards.
“As responsible citizens, we must give back to the community and contribute towards social causes that we are passionate about.”
She added that volunteers play a significant role in the community and I am particularly passionate about volunteering in the sporting sector.
“I encourage everyone to consider volunteering in sport as it is not only fulfilling but helps you make friends, find peer support and adjust to the new way of life in a different country. I would like to congratulate all the other finalists and thank them for their work.”
Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence announced the nominees for the 2023 Volunteering Awards which recognise community organisations and volunteers for the enormous contribution they make to Victorian communities and the economy.
Minister Spence said in a statement:
“Volunteers plays a vital role in our community and these awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our hard-working volunteers. It’s been through the resilience and innovation of our wonderful volunteers that many of our community organisations have been able to continue to provide great service.”
Raju Adhikari who is associated with Federation of Nepalese Communities Association of Australia is a finalist in the Volunteer Commitment Award category.
This award pays tribute to dedicated and passionate individuals with a sustained and substantial record of commitment to people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in Victoria.
This year there are 28 individuals and 24 organisations nominated as finalists across eight categories:
- Volunteer Commitment
- Volunteer Impact
- Volunteer Leadership
- Young Volunteer
- Grassroots Volunteering
- Inclusive Volunteering
- Volunteering Innovation
- Volunteering Partnerships.
The 2023 Volunteering Awards are managed by Volunteering Victoria with the support of the Labor Government.
Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive Geoff Sharp added:
“These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Victoria’s volunteers, acknowledging their selfless care and immense impact on building stronger, more connected communities.”
One individual and one organisation will be named the Premier’s Volunteer Champions of the Year at a function to be held at Government House on 27 February.
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