The Government will provide a funding injection for 18 community groups and organisations in Indi to support the work of local volunteers.
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the grants would support the work of volunteers right across the Indi Electorate, from the Alpine Move Group to the Wodonga Urban Landcare Group.
“This money will be used for a raft of community programs, such as helping volunteers to assist men in overcoming challenges and addictions, to delivering programs for arthritis sufferers,” Senator McKenzie said.
“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is not unrecognised. 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 we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience.”
Senator McKenzie 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 in the North East, Upper Murray and right across Indi,” Senator McKenzie said.
Nationally, volunteering has an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.
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.”
The awarded grants are between $1,000 and $5,000. National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting the Volunteering Australia website.
Successful Indi projects:
Alpine Move Group $2,000
Alpine U3A Inc. Alpine U3A Inc $2,500
Bobinawarrah Soldier Memorial Hall $3,500
Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve Inc $2,300
Country Fire Authority (West Wodonga) $2,550
Country Fire Authority (Baranduda) $2,470
Disabled Wintersport Australia Inc $5,000
Eagles Corner $4,000
Goulburn Valley Pride Inc $1,740
Indigo North Health Inc $4,360
Kiewa Valley Community Radio Association Inc $3,200
Mount Beauty and District Men’s Shed Inc $5,000
Raise the Roof Benalla Incorporated $5,000
Strathbogie Inc $5,000
U3A Albury Wodonga Inc $5,000
Wodonga Heart Football Club Inc $3,010
Wodonga Tennis Centre $1,350
Wodonga Urban Landcare Network Inc $4,830