Calling for nominations for the 2010 Health Volunteer Awards, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said there was "no better example of model volunteers than the Pink Ladies, whose 100 members give thousands of hours of selfless volunteer service in Frankston every year".

'Pinkies', as they are affectionately known, arrange flowers for patients, sell newspapers and other items throughout the wards and operate a cafe and kiosk in the hospital foyer.

In the words of Pink Ladies president Pauline Ellerby: "We aim to serve and raise money, and most of all to brighten the day for our patients and their families."

The volunteer auxiliary was founded in 1941 to provide services for patients and visitors and to raise funds for the hospital.

Since 1968 the Pink Ladies have raised more than $5.2 million for Frankston Hospital.

Apprising the minister on the impressive history of the Pinkies was Frankston MP Alistair Harkness.

"The first Pink Ladies president, Edna Vincent, received an MBE in 1964 for services to the community and helped more than a dozen hospitals form similar auxiliaries," he said.

She was president of the auxiliary for an astonishing 58 years, until her death in 1999.

The Health Volunteers Awards, instituted by Mr Andrews last year, recognise the work of volunteers in hospitals, community health centres and ambulance services.

"Volunteers are at the very heart of our health care system - they really do make an incredible difference to patients, their families, staff and the local community," Mr Andrews said.

Nominations for Health Volunteer Awards close on April 6 and can be submitted online at www.health.vic.gov.au/volunteeraw ards