A number of organisations in Polwarth have received a Brumby Labor Government funding boost to support volunteers.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said that the Polwarth organisations had received a total of $9,750 from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.
The organisations and funding details are:
– Otway Health and Community Services – $1,500 – The project aims to hold an indigenous training surf camp to ensure the sustainability and connections of volunteers supporting this volunteer program
– Simpson Car Club Inc – $3,250 – To hold a safety training day for the volunteers of our club in conjunction with the Colac branch of the SES. This will enhance the volunteers’ knowledge on safety issues while they carry out their duties and attract new volunteers as well
– Gellibrand Community Group Inc – $5,000 – The project aims to attract volunteers to establish a funtional Committee of Management by promoting volunteering opportunities and providing governance training to prospective Community members.
“The Brumby Labor Government is proud to support volunteers because they are the lifeblood of our community,” Ms Tierney said
“We know communities with higher rates of volunteering are stronger, more resilient, healthier and happier and people who volunteer report a greater sense of wellbeing and a greater connection to their community.”
The Victorian Volunteer Small Grants program is a key component of the Victorian Government’s $9.3 million Victoria’s Volunteering Strategy 2009, which aims to strengthen volunteering by making it easier to volunteer and by supporting volunteers and the organisations that rely on them. .
Community Development Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the lives of people in communities across Victoria were touched daily by the efforts of volunteers who gave their time to help others.
“From training programs to give safety qualifications for volunteer children’s swimming instructors, to community events to attract new volunteers, the Volunteer Small Grants will help bring communities closer,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“By volunteering you not only improve the lives of others but also make your own life richer, since volunteering helps you meet new people and gives that terrific feeling of having helped someone else.”
“Many people also volunteer to learn new skills that improve their employment opportunities.
“I encourage people and organisations interested in volunteering to visit the Brumby Labor Government volunteering portal at www.volunteer.vic.gov.au to find a range of information and resources to get them started,” she said.
Since 2004, the Brumby Labor Government has provided more than $5.9 million in Victorian Volunteer Small Grants to more than 1660 community organisations.
For more information visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au