The 2021 Volunteering Awards were presented at a function at Government House on Friday, March 25. The Awards recognise the hard work of Victorians who selflessly give their time to the community.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP, is very pleased to inform that Mr Bassir Qadiri, President of the Bakhtar Community Organisation, won the state-wide Inclusivity Volunteering Award for his community work.
Bassir has continued to promote diversity and inclusion through the Bakhtar Community Organisation, establishing and hosting regular events and awards that recognise the achievements and importance of a diverse range of community members.
Bassir and the Bakhtar Community Organisation have provided support during the pandemic and beyond with language classes, poetry events, creative workshops, and refugee support as well as promoting gender equality, the prevention of family violence, and multiculturalism. Bassir was previously awarded the 2020 Casey Citizen of the Year for his work and dedication to our community.
The prestigious title of Premier’s Volunteer of the Year has been awarded to Jaya Manchikanti, who received the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch trophy and a $10,000 donation towards a community organisation of her choice.
Additional winners were announced in the categories of COVID-19 innovation, COVID-19 resilience, COVID-19 support and connection, volunteering leadership, volunteering partnerships and volunteering pathways to skills and community inclusion.
The State Government continues to recognise and support Victoria’s community organisations and volunteers who have remained resilient, flexible and innovative, ensuring vital services and local connections continued during some challenging circumstances.
The 2021 Volunteering Awards are managed by Volunteering Victoria with the support of the Andrews Labor Government.
For more details and the full list of finalists and winners, visit www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events/volunteering-awards-2021/
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP
“Bassir Qadiri and the Bakhtar Community Organisation undertake integral work that brings our community together, supports the disadvantaged and celebrates our diversity. It’s fantastic to see this work recognised.”
“The work of our volunteers should be celebrated and Bassir’s win represents all the hard work of all our local volunteer, charity and non-government organisations who have helped so many during the pandemic and beyond.”
“I congratulate Bassir for his success in winning the Inclusivity Volunteering Award, his work and the work of all our volunteers, is very much appreciated.”
“Bassir’s win of this state-wide Award is an example of the dedication, hard work, and abilities of all our local volunteers.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines:
“Volunteering plays a vital role in our community and these awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our hard-working volunteers.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Josh Bull:
“Thank you to the many volunteers across Victoria who kept our community safe and connected through the pandemic.”
Quote attributable to Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive Scott Miller:
“After another year where communities throughout the state were again challenged by the pandemic, we are able to acknowledge the enormous contribution of our volunteers.”