Shepparton groups to receive funding were Shepparton Athletics Club ($2000), Shepparton Family and Financial Services ($4988), Shepparton Foodshare ($2560), Shepparton Rowing Club ($3000) and South Shepparton Community Centre ($1700).
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum spoke in parliament on Thursday, December 2, ahead of International Volunteer Day on Sunday to thank volunteers in the Goulburn Valley.
“As the local member, I see first-hand the impact of volunteering here in the Goulburn Valley and how the hard work of local volunteers continues to strengthen our communities,” Mr Drum said.
“You only have to look at how the community and volunteer groups rallied when greater Shepparton faced a significant COVID cluster earlier this year to get a gauge on how important the work of these volunteers is.”
The $18 million volunteer grants round provided the more than 5000 volunteer organisations and the almost nine million volunteers in Australia with grants of between $1000 and $5000 to assist with their operations.
“Grants can also be used to reimburse volunteer fuel costs, the transport of volunteers with a disability, or support promotional activities on volunteering opportunities within their organisation,” Mr Drum said.
“Volunteering plays an important role in Australia’s social landscape, as a proven pathway to get people into jobs, reduce marginalisation and increase community participation.”