The Benalla Visitor Information Centre has received a $700 Brumby Labor Government funding boost to support volunteers.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad MP announced today that the Benalla Visitor Information Centre had received $700 from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.
Ms Broad said the organisation had received the grant for its 2009 High Country Visitor Information Centres Volunteers' Summit project - an annual get-together of 110 volunteers to meet, discuss and learn.
“Strong families need strong communities, that’s why we are we are supporting the vital work of volunteers through these grants,” Ms Broad said
“It’s not only the people being helped by volunteers who benefit, but also the volunteers themselves, with research showing people who volunteer reap rewards such as improved health and wellbeing and better employment opportunities,” she said.
It is one of 28 new projects to benefit from the grants announced this month, which are aimed at helping organisations recruit and train volunteers.
The Victorian Volunteer Small Grants program is a key component of the Brumby Labor Government’s $9.3 million Victoria’s Volunteering Strategy 2009, which aims to strengthen volunteering by making it easier for people – young people in particular – to volunteer.
Community Development Minister, Peter Batchelor 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 providing First Aid support to local sports teams, to helping community theatre groups or teaching nutrition and household budgeting, volunteers are integral to many local organisations, events and services.” Mr Batchelor said.
“Volunteers of all kinds play an important role in building stronger communities.”
Since 2004, the Brumby Labor Government has provided more than $5 million in Victorian Volunteer Small Grants to almost 1400 community organisations.
For more information about grants, visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au