More than $250,000 to Support Local Volunteers

Wednesday, 5 October 2011

Harry Jenkins MP, Federal Member for Scullin has today congratulated 68 local community organisations who will benefit from more than $250,000 in funding in the latest round of the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants. 

"Volunteers are the backbone of our local community, giving up their time, energy and expertise to support our community often with little or no support," Mr Jenkins said.

The Volunteer Grants will support a range of local community groups such as the Greek Orthodox Community of Whittlesea, Bitola Macedonian Senior Citizens Group, Lalor Junior Football Club, Mill Park Football Club, the Italian Pensioners Association of Mill Park, Hands on Health Australia, Plenty Valley Community Health and the Rotary Club of Bundoora.

"The latest round of Volunteer Grants, between $1,000 and $5,000, will assist local organisations purchase much-needed equipment such as laptops and printers, digital cameras and filing cabinets, first aid kits, garden sheds, PA systems and meet the costs of fuel," Mr Jenkins said.

"For the first time, the grants will also help cover the costs of volunteers with a disability who are unable to drive and need to use public transport or taxis as part of their volunteering role.

This year marks the 10 th anniversary of International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10) and to mark the occasion, a commemorative stamp and coin have been launched.

The new collectable 20 cent coin reminds all Australians of the significant role that volunteers play in local communities.

"This is a wonderful gesture of recognition by Australia Post of the selfless efforts of volunteers, Mr Jenkins said.

/ends 5 October 2011

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