Victoria’s volunteers can look forward to National Volunteer Week with a spring in their step after receiving a funding boost to support their selfless work.

Through the Victorian Budget 2018/2019, the Andrews Labor Government is delivering $500,000 to make it easier and simpler for volunteers to do what they do best.

It also comes ahead of National Volunteer Week 2018 which runs from 21 to 27 May, with the theme: Give a little. Change a Lot.

Over two years, the state budget investment will help fulfil the strategic priorities of the Ministerial Council of Volunteers, which works to improve volunteering experiences and create opportunities for the community.

Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers and Chair of the Ministerial Council of Volunteers Gabrielle Williams today met with some Victorian volunteers to kick off the week.

This included Roy Snook, and Christine Marsh, some of the valued volunteers behind the Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church Food Truck, which offers a safe environment and family meal experience for Victorians in need.

The team’s work was recognised at the 2017 Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards for pooling together their skills to bring hope and dignity to those in the community without shelter, food or social support.

Established in 2014, the Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards recognise the incredible impact volunteers have across Victoria in building our communities, services and connections.

This year’s Awards are currently open for nominations.

Volunteers can be recognised for their contributions in one of four categories: Leadership, Impact, Service or Teamwork. One nominee will also be selected as Victoria’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year.

Victoria’s volunteer sector is worth more than $23 billion to the state economy, a figure that is expected to increase to $42 billion by 2021.

Nominations for this year’s Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards close at 5pm on Monday, 28 May 2018. To nominate a volunteer, visit volunteer.vic.gov.au/awards.