Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad MP announced today that the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre has received a $3,150 Brumby Labor Government funding boost to support volunteers in the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.
Ms Broad said the organisation had received the grant for its Upskilling Wycheproof project to. conduct a range of training courses for volunteers to assist them in their current volunteering capacity and encourage new volunteers to increase their skills and get involved with community organisations.
Courses will include food handling, responsible service of alcohol, first aid and computing.
It is one of 28 new projects to benefit from more than $85,000 in small grants announced this month, all aimed at helping organisations recruit and train volunteers.
“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.”
The Brumby Labor Government this year unveiled a $9.3 million Victoria’s Volunteer Strategy aimed at making it easier for people – particularly young people – to get involved in their community.
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 and are integral to many important local organisations, events and services.”
Since 2004, the Brumby Labor Government has provided more than $5 million in Victorian Volunteer Small Grants to more than 1400 community organisations.