The MLHD board of directors and executive leadership team made the announcement on Thursday, asking for nominations to acknowledge individuals who went above and beyond during this difficult year.

All nominations for the award will be assessed by a panel of judges, with the winner being announced at the 2020 annual public meeting.

According to MLHD, the winner will be a volunteer who provided excellent support, acted as a role model, inspired other volunteers and used new and innovative ways to engage patients, carers and families.

Volunteers can be found across the MIA in a variety of important roles, including more than 200 volunteers who form 33 Local Health Advisory Committees across the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

Chief executive Jill Ludford says these Local Health Advisory Committees play a key role in forming a link between the community and the MLHD.

"They advocate for their local community's health needs and provide invaluable advice about their individual and unique communities," Ms Ludford explained.

"This helps 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," Ms Ludford said.

"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 Volunteer of the Year award close at 5pm on August 19.

The nomination form can be found here.

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