Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has announced $132,000 is available to support volunteer groups as part of the 2021 Volunteer Grants program.
Dr Haines is calling for eligible, not-for-profit community organisations to submit their expressions of interest before Monday, April 19.
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Volunteer Grants of $1000 to $5000 will help volunteers and volunteer groups to buy small equipment for volunteers, by reimbursing volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, or supporting promotional activities.
Last year, the volunteer grants funded 18 projects in Indi worth $63,000 including sporting clubs, CFAs, Landcare groups and health organisations.
Dr Haines said volunteers were the backbone of the community through a hard 18 months.
“During the bushfires, whenever I visited a recovery centre in Corryong or Walwa or Wangaratta, I was always greeted by volunteers,” Dr Haines said.
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“None of those recovery efforts would have happened without thousands of volunteer hours committed.
“Through the pandemic volunteers came out of the woodwork whenever people needed a feed, social interaction, or a hand in getting groceries or medicines.
“It’s great to be able to give something back to those volunteer organisations.”
In order to receive funding, organisations must have been nominated by their Federal Member of Parliament and meet the eligibility criteria.
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Each member is able to nominate organisations to apply for funding in their electorate.
The Department of Social Services will then send an application form to nominated organisations to apply for funding in May.
Successful applicants will be announced in November.
● To lodge an expression of interest, visit this linkhelen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au and submit a completed form by Monday, April 19, by sending it to
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