Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad announced today that the Sawmill Settlement Water Works and Community Protection Association in Mansfield had received $1,270 from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.
Ms Broad said the organisation had received the grant for its Training and Administration project.
It is one of 20 new projects to benefit from more than $54,000 in small grants announced this month, all 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.
“Strong families need strong communities, that’s why we are supporting the vital work of volunteers through these grants,” Ms Broad said
“The Brumby Labor Government understands the value of volunteers to communities across the state. It is one important way we can show respect for one another.
Community Development Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio said the lives of people in communities across Victoria were touched daily by the efforts of volunteers who give their time to help others.
“From developing a program for volunteer radio broadcasters to training people in food hygiene or providing material so volunteers can make curtains for public housing tenants, the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants are going to a huge range of creative ideas to help bring communities closer,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“By volunteering you not only improve the lives of others but also make your own life richer, since volunteering helps you meet new people and gives that terrific feeling of having helped someone else.
“Many people also volunteer to learn new skills that improve their employment opportunities.”
Since 2004, the Brumby Labor Government has provided more than $5 million in Victorian Volunteer Small Grants to more than1400 community organisations.
For more information about grants, visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au