Volunteers are our quiet heroes

BEFORE being elected to office, I spent time working in the not-for-profit charity sector.

I worked with some wonderful and generous people, and saw the invaluable contribution that volunteers make to our community.

They are our quiet heroes.

Volunteers are the ones helping put meals on tables, assisting the elderly, providing friendships to the lonely, and giving counsel and comfort to the vulnerable. They keep our local sports clubs running, and provide what it takes for a vibrant social calendar for locals.

I had the privilege recently to meet with some neighbourhood houses champions in our region. Neighbourhood houses help to bring people together; to connect, learn and contribute to the community through a range of support. It is astounding how much they achieve, and the contribution they make even with the meagre funds they have to operate.

These include community transport services, running men’s sheds, no-interest loan schemes, after-school-care programs, and so much more.

In Red Cliffs, Jo and the team are running food shares, building teepees for the kinder’s grow-and-share garden, running the community paramedics program – all of which is having a great impact on the lives of many individuals.

Without the willingness and care of volunteers, initiatives like this simply would not exist. Volunteers do what they do selflessly, without seeking any recognition, even though they deserve plenty of it.

I know the strain and the fatigue that can rest on the shoulders of volunteers of grassroots organisations. I also know how exciting receiving any financial investment is.

For this reason, I am very pleased to invite volunteer organisations in Mallee to express their interest in the 2022-23 volunteer grants. This is a fantastic opportunity, initiated by the former Coalition Government which I am glad to see continued.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants between $1000 and $5000. Community and volunteer groups interested can visit my website at www.annewebster.com.au to find out more about how to apply.

Last year I was able to announce that 32 organisations across Mallee were successful in their applications. For these groups, a little goes a long way.