The Kerang District Health - Men's Shed has received a $1,000 Brumby Labor Government funding boost to support volunteers.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad MP announced today that the Kerang District Health - Men's Shed had received $1,000 from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.
Ms Broad said the organisation had received the grant for its Volunteer Enhancement Program which aims are to advertise and invite community volunteers including involvement with schools to increase volunteer numbers and age groups; construct a shed to store tools and equipment for the volunteers, and assist in the weather proofing of an area for lunchtime gatherings by the volunteers and community members.
“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