22 March 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is recognising the hard work of Victorians who selflessly give their time to the community by announcing the 2021 Volunteering Awards finalists.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP, announced that Bassir Qadiri, President of the Bakhtar Community Organisation, is a finalist in the Victorian Volunteering Awards for the Inclusive Volunteering Award.
Over the last two years, Victoria’s community organisations and volunteers have remained resilient, flexible and innovative, ensuring vital services and local connections continued during some challenging circumstances.
Twenty-four people and 26 organisations have been announced today as finalists across the seven award categories:
• COVID-19 innovation
• COVID-19 resilience
• COVID-19 support and connection
• Inclusive volunteering
• Volunteering leadership
• Volunteering partnerships
• Volunteering pathways to skills and community inclusion
One winner will be named the Premier’s volunteer champion of the year. The winner will receive the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch award and a $10,000 donation to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.
The 2021 Volunteering Awards will be presented at a function at Government House on March 25. For more details and the full list of finalists, visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events/volunteering-awards-2021/
The 2021 Volunteering Awards are managed by Volunteering Victoria with the support of the State Government.
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South 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.”
“Recently, Bassir and his team held their Bakhtar Women of the Year event which I was very pleased to attend and celebrate the winner, Shugoofa Bakhtary, for her contribution to the community.” ”
“The work of our volunteers should be celebrated and Bassir’s nomination 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 wish Bassir all the best on the night of the Volunteering Awards and whatever the outcome his work, and the work of all our volunteers, is very much appreciated.”
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.”