Viva awards are back

Viva Energy’s Executive General Manager of the Geelong Refinery Dale Cameron and 2022 Community Legends ambassador Cameron Ling. (supplied)

Viva Energy’s volunteer recognition program is returning for 2022 with a new name and an expanded series of awards after a two-year hiatus.

Now known as the Viva Energy Community Legends Awards, the program looks to discover and recognise local heroes who offer their time, expertise and passion to help others in the Geelong region.

The awards have been expanded to include all types of volunteers in structured community groups ranging from grassroots sporting clubs to cultural associations, support groups and representatives of diverse minority associations.

This year, with an overall prize pool of over $75,000, the award categories include, Community Legend of the Year, the Rising Star Award (ages 16-26), the People’s Choice Award and 10 Community Legend Finalists with winners, finalists and their respective community groups and organisations receiving a share of the prize money.

Dale Cooper, Viva Energy’s Executive General Manager of the Geelong Refinery, said the program aligns with the company’s commitment to give back to the community.

“Viva Energy’s volunteer recognition program began in 2017, originally known as the Club Legends Award and focused on volunteers at local sporting clubs,” he said.

“After a couple of years’ break due to COVID, we decided to relaunch the program this year in an expanded format that captures the efforts of a broader range of the great volunteers who do so much for the local community and deserve more recognition. We believe it is important to have a platform to recognise the efforts of these selfless people who do so much for others and contribute to Geelong’s wonderful community.”

Nominations are now open, with entries closing on Sunday 14 August. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will commence on Monday August 29 via the dedicated Facebook page.

Winners will be announced at an exclusive awards ceremony on Tuesday October 4 at GMHBA Stadium.

To submit your entry, nominate a Community Legend or for further information, visit communitylegends.com.au