MEDIA STATEMENT
19 May 2023
Indi’s volunteer groups recognised with $66,216 in funding
Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has announced twenty-three volunteer groups in Indi have been awarded a share of $66,216 in funding.
These grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and will enable local community groups to increase participation in volunteering across Indi. These grants will assist organisations and volunteers to purchase small equipment, and pay fuel, transport, and training costs.
The announcement of the successful recipients coincides with Volunteer Week.
“It’s great timing that we can announce these grants that will provide tangible benefits to important volunteer groups at the same time our community recognises and thanks volunteers across the country,” Dr Haines said.
Each organisation received a personal phone call from Dr Haines to share the good news. The successful applicants were assessed by a panel of community leaders and recommended to the federal government for funding.
“I am always amazed at the incredible work of volunteer groups across Indi, and this is no exception,” Dr Haines said.
“These grants will go a long way in supporting volunteers across Indi to continue their vital work in supporting our communities. It will help engage vulnerable people in volunteering work, giving them an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and give back to our community.”
The successful recipients include Landcare groups, sporting clubs, and agricultural societies from across the electorate including Euroa, Baddaginnie, Mount Beauty, Kiewa Valley, Bright and Myrtleford.
Benalla Migrant Camp and Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society will purchase new marquees to support local events. Wangaratta Croquet Club will be able to buy a hand-held fertilizer spreader, and Parklands Albury Wodonga will buy small tools for revegetation.
Bright Food Co-Op and Yackandandah Lions Club have both been funded for food safety training, and Wangaratta Hockey Club and Wodonga Saints Football and Netball Club will be able to give their volunteers essential training.
The Albury-Wodonga Multiple Birth Association will be able to purchase an iPad and cover volunteer travel costs, and the Kiewa Catchment Landcare Group will use the grant to train volunteers in essential safety training and purchase biosecurity washdown kits. Baddaginnie Fire Brigade will be able to purchase a much sought-after coffee machine for use by volunteers.
Dr Haines said the grants are a recognition of the important work volunteer groups do in the community.
“These grants, while they may seem small, provide a huge benefit to the towns across Indi.
“They will be used to increase social connections and participation in physical activity, which are essential to our physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“I am delighted to be able to support volunteers and groups across Indi who so generously give their time, talents and expertise to our community. Thank you volunteers!”