Nominations for the award will be assessed by a panel of judges with the winner announced at the 2020 MLHD Annual Public Meeting.

The award aims to acknowledge an individual who: provides excellent support for patients, carers and families acts as a role model for volunteering in NSW Health which promotes volunteer services and inspires other volunteers uses new and innovative ways to engage patients, carers and families.

Volunteers can be found across the District in a variety of important roles, including more than 200 volunteers who form 33 Local Health Advisory Committee's (LHAC's) across Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

"LHAC's play a key role in forming a link between the community and MLHD," said MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford.

"They advocate for their local community's health needs and provide invaluable advice about their individual and unique communities, helping us to consider changes and improve our processes and services."

Volunteers can also be found leading exercise classes across the region.

"We have 110 volunteer Tai Chi, Gentle Exercise and Aqua Exercise leaders who run classes in 42 communities across our region," said Ms Ludford.

"The volunteers are an essential part of the local strategies to improve wellbeing and reduce hospitalisations from physical inactivity, including injuries from falls."

Nominations for the 2020 Volunteer award close at 5pm on Wednesday 19 August.

The nomination form can be found at: www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/events/volunteer-award-2020