The search begins for Geelong’s community heroes

07 Jul 2022

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, Viva Energy's volunteer recognition program is back and better than ever!  

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,” Dale 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.”

The 2022 Community Legends Ambassador and former Geelong Cats champion, Cameron Ling, said his life has been made better by the efforts of volunteers. 

“I’ve spent my life in Geelong and I’ve seen the incredible impact these volunteers can have on young lives. I particularly saw it in junior sport, where these selfless people were working to create a terrific, safe and supportive environment,” Cameron said. “It might be hard to recognise it when you are a kid, but as a parent, now I can see the positive impact it had on my upbringing. These people are unsung heroes and part of what makes Geelong such a great place to live – it is about time we recognise their efforts, not just in sport but in every arena where people work for the good of the greater community.”

Nominations are now open, with entries closing on Sunday 14 August. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will commence on Monday 29 August via the dedicated facebook page. Winners will be announced at an exclusive Awards ceremony on Tuesday 4 October at GMHBA Stadium. To submit your entry, nominate a Community Legend or for further information, visit: CommunityLegends.com.au

For more information:

For further information or interview opportunities, contact Mango Communications:

Maddie Polson
T: +61 476 516 099
E: maddie.polson@thisismango.com.au  

Isabelle Worth
T: +61 412 176 547
E: isabelle.worth@thisismango.com.au

OR:
 
Michael Cave

T: +61 409 647 910
E: michael.cave@vivaenergy.com.au


About Viva Energy

Viva Energy is one of Australia’s leading energy companies and supplies approximately a quarter of the country’s liquid fuel requirements. It is the exclusive supplier of high quality Shell fuels and lubricants in Australia through an extensive network of around 1,330 service stations across the country.

Viva Energy owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery in Victoria, and operates bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals and lubricants businesses supported by more than 20 terminals and 50 airports and airfields across the country.