The Morrison Government will provide a funding injection of $316,640 for 129 community groups and organisations to support the work of local volunteers in the five patron seats represented by Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson.
A list of the volunteer grants is attached. A summary is as follows:
Corangamite electorate
31 volunteer organisations will share in $64,170, including $3,000 to Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue and $1,200 to St Leonards Progress Association.
Corio electorate
44 organisations will receive funding totalling $65,180, including $2,900 going to Anam Cara House and $1,000 to Volunteering Geelong.
Ballarat electorate
Of the 18 volunteer organisations to receive a total of $58,470, Balliang and District CFA will receive $4,440 and $3,100 will go to the Ballarat Veterans’ Assistance Centre.
Bendigo electorate
17 volunteer organisations will share $63,830, with Bendigo Animal Welfare & Community Services receiving $4,200 and Maldon Folk Festival $2,800.
Gorton electorate
15 volunteer organisations will receive a total of $64,990, with $4,900 going to the Australian Multi Cultural Association and $3,390 to Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.
“The bushfires had a devastating impact on many of our people and communities across the country and we are now living through a global pandemic,” Minister Ruston said.
“Volunteers freely give their time and skills to support others and will play a key role in communities over the next few months. This funding recognises the sacrifices they make to help deliver vital services to those who need it most.”
Liberal Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, said organisations would receive a grant to support the work of their volunteers.
“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is not unrecognised,” Senator Henderson said.
“From fighting bushfires, delivering food to vulnerable Australians in isolation and helping out with the weekend sport, they are all local champions.
“Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience.”
Senator Henderson said the funding injection coincides with National Volunteer Week being celebrated this week.
“It’s vital we acknowledge the important contribution of our local volunteers.”
Nationally, volunteering has an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.
The awarded grants are between $1,000 and $5,000. National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May.