Corryong Courier, Corryong VIC (General News) The state government is urging people to nominate hard-working volunteers from Northern Victoria in this years Victorian Premiers Volunteer Champions Awards. Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said the prestigious awards will recognise up to 60 volunteers of different ages and cultural backgrounds in the categories of leadership, impact, service, and teamwork. The Premiers Volunteer of the Year Dame Elizabeth Murdoch Award will be selected from all award recipients and the winner wi II receive a $10,000 government donation to a charity of their choice. Victorias volunteer sector is worth more than S23 billion to the state economy, a figure that is expected to increase to S42 billion by 2021. The Upper Murray is recognised as one of the top five communities for volunteering in Australia. Country people dont shy away from lending a hand and giving back to the community, which is why we have more than 1.5 million volunteers across the state, Ms Symes said, and this is a chance to say thank you. These awards celebrate the tireless work of our volunteers and I encourage all Northern Victorians to consider nominating someone they know who is making a real difference in the community, Thee awards are just one of the ways that people in country Victoria can celebrate the selfless work of our volunteering community, Last years awards attracted nominations from a range of different sectors and I look forward to recognising more hardworking volunteers from Northern Victoria this year, Ms Symes added. The Victorian Premiers Volunteer Champions Awards ceremony will be held in December, to coincide with the International Day of the Volunteer. Award nominations close on 14 August at 5pm. To nominate a volunteer or for more information visit: www. volunteer.vic.gov.au/ awards