Volunteer grants bump up community groups

LOCAL community groups including Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre, Eaglehawk Community House, Bendigo Women’s Football Club, Bendigo Theatre Company and Bendigo Blue Light Inc have been allocated grants of up to five thousand dollars as part of the Federal Government’s 2024-25 Volunteer Grant Round.

During this round of the $9.5 million scheme, for the first time eligible organisations were able to allocate their funding towards insurance premiums.

This change will help them to better navigate rising operating costs and reduce out of pocket costs for volunteers.

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the funding is welcomed in Bendigo as it will provide greater support for local volunteers and ensure they can continue to support their community.

A total of 19 local groups shared in the $66,225 in funding available to each Federal electorate.

In order to be successful in the competitive process, they were required to be a not-for-profit organisation with a minimum of 40 per cent of volunteers.

“Bendigo has a strong volunteer base, and these volunteers are the backbone of many of our community organisations,” Ms Chesters said.

“This year we have such a diverse range of recipients from across the electorate – from the Elmore Football Netball Club to the Kyneton Agricultural Society.

“I cannot emphasise enough how important volunteers are to our community by providing support and services to those in need.

“At the end of the day, we want volunteers to know that (we’re) backing them and will continue to support their work in assisting our community.”