Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award: Shine a light on a community volunteer

Nominations for the prestigious Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award are now open, and members of the community are invited to nominate a worthy individual to be recognised for the contribution they have made.

Now in its third year, the award is presented annually in recognition of those volunteers who inspire and embody the spirit of volunteerism through their exemplary contribution to the community.

Nominations can be made online up until the closing date of Sunday 22 August. The award will be presented at this year’s Volunteer Recognition Function ceremony, to be held in December.

The award is named in honour of Bill Wilkins OAM in recognition of his 75 years of volunteering in Maroondah. In 1994, Mr Wilkins became an Honorary Freeman of the City – the highest honour a council can bestow upon an individual.

Mayor of Maroondah Cr Kylie Spears said like its namesake, the Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award similarly recognises others who go above and beyond in their commitment to helping others in the community.

In 2020, Dr Graeme Lorimer became the second person to receive the Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award in recognition of his 32 years of volunteering in Maroondah.

Cr Spears said Dr Lorimer’s outstanding contribution to the community as a dedicated conservationist had led to many positive environmental outcomes as well as recognition on a global scale.

“Dr Lorimer has been a tireless campaigner with enormous persistence for the conservation of the Kilsyth South Spider-orchid, which is considered to be one of the rarest plant species on earth. If not for his hard work and diligence, the species would likely have become extinct many years ago,” she said.

Cr Spears said now was the opportunity to shine a light on another deserving community volunteer.

“Our volunteers positively change communities and the lives of people every single day and this award presents a wonderful opportunity to let them know how valued they are,” she said.

All nominees must volunteer in the Maroondah community. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominees will each receive a certificate of recognition prior to the announcement of the Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award recipient.

Nominate someone today through our

For further information on the application process and the award, visit our Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award page or phone 1300 88 22 33.