Aunty Glenys Watts has been named Victorian Volunteer of the Year, and the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award recipient for 2025.
For more than 30 years, Aunty Glenys has shared her lived experience and cultural knowledge to help Victorians better understand the continuing impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal people and history.
She is widely respected for her volunteer work, making an incredible difference in Indigenous health, social and
emotional wellbeing.
She’s also passionate about raising awareness of grassroots organisations and Aboriginal history and culture, and believes recognition like this shines a light on the importance of understanding, respect and community spirit.
For Glenys, the announcement came as
a shock.
“It has been a bit of a whirlwind – it did come as a surprise,” Glenys said.
“I feel incredibly proud and deeply privileged to have been named the Victorian Volunteer of the Year.
“To be recognised with such a prestigious award is truly humbling, and I accept it
not just for myself, but on behalf of all the wonderful people and organisations I have had the privilege to work alongside over the past 30 years.
“Volunteering has always been about giving back, supporting others, and helping to create positive change in our communities.
“Volunteering is my way of building understanding of local issues and finding sustainable solutions for future generations.
“This award is a reminder of the strength and resilience that comes from people working together, and I am grateful to have played a part in building those connections.
“I don’t volunteer for recognition — I do it out of passion and a drive to create change.”
Glenys also thanked Jodie Douthat,
regional coordinator from Dhelk Dja East Gippsland Indigenous Family Violence Action Group for the nomination, and also acknowledged her mother.
“Inspired by my mum, Rita Watkins who was honoured on the Aboriginal Honour Roll of Victoria, I continue her legacy of sharing culture, stories, and helping others,” she said.
Glenys has supported families to reconnect with their heritage, including through the development of a book, three DVDs and a travelling exhibition that followed the journey of Percy and Lucy Pepper – a project that has guided many Aboriginal families searching for their stories in the National Archives of Victoria.
She has also been a driving voice in the Dhelk Dja – Safe Our Way family violence strategy, always advocating for culturally safe responses and services.
She is highly regarded within Gippsland, Victoria, where she has taken on leadership roles including serving as chair on the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board where she works together to advance pathways that return Country to Gunaikurnai leadership.
“To everyone who has inspired me, encouraged me, and shared this journey — thank you,” Glenys said.
“This honour belongs to all of us, and I am proud to celebrate it with my community.”
