Local volunteers recognised with a share in $57,925 grant funding

Three local volunteer community organisations have been awarded a share of $57,925 through the latest round of the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants Program. Open Door Neighbourhood House (ODNH), Wangaratta Hockey Club and 1st Yarrunga Scout Group are among 18 organisations within Indi electorate to receive funding. Independent federal MP for Indi Helen Haines said the successful applicants were recommended for funding after being assessed by a panel of local community leaders. The Wangaratta Hockey Club was awarded $2053 for First Aid equipment, ODNH was awarded $2896 for operational costs, and the 1st Yarrunga Scout Group was awarded $2450 for essential equipment and volunteer expenses. ODNH will use grant money to supplement operational costs associated with insurance, telephone and internet costs. "This will allow us to free up and spend funds on the volunteers specifically i.e. training and providing upgraded materials," Gady Parker, ODNH office administrator, said. "Being able to access a mobile phone to assist their volunteering duties will support volunteers, which in turn will engage and support local community members. "Receiving this funding to cover those embedded costs assists ODNH to continue providing our services. "We operate with approximately 30 volunteers who contribute more than 130 volunteer hours in an average week. "This has increased in recent years. "We are committed to creating volunteering opportunities for our community, particularly those that may find it daunting or inaccessible in other more formal settings. "We offer volunteering opportunities to those that are long term unemployed, have a disability, are retired or experience isolation." "Volunteers are critical to the operating of the neighbourhood house, contributing to the committee of governance, administration, tax help, program facilitation, reception, fundraising, cleaning, maintenance, food for all program and gardening. "We would not be able to have such a significant contribution to community without every single one of our volunteers. "Whilst ODNH is government funded we would be unable to provide the services we do without our volunteer base and supported by just such grants as the Volunteer Grants Program. "We want to provide our volunteers with the best possible facilities and advantages. "Volunteers benefit from working in a social, interactive environment which constructively helps and engages local community. "Volunteering at the house is a wonderful way of furthering pathways to study and employment. "The work environment we offer gives volunteers the opportunity to increase work/employability skills and self-esteem/self-worth." Meanwhile, the 1st Yarrunga Scout Group will be purchasing essential hiking equipment and petrol vouchers for volunteers with the funding. "The equipment will replace and supplement gear acquired via a grant in 2013, which has been extensively used by our youth members," Melissa Duguid, group leader of 1st Yarrunga Scouts, said. "As our group grows, this updated equipment will ensure we can continue delivering safe, effective, and impactful programs. "Funding will directly benefit our 55 youth members and 19 volunteers, contributing to personal development, leadership, and community engagement for young people. "The impact of our programs extends beyond these youth to their families, fostering a sense of community which continues to grow as our group expands."

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