FORTY-ONE volunteer-driven organisations across the Bendigo electorate have shared in funding of almost $140,000.
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The federal government grants of $1000 to $5000 were awarded to support the work of volunteers.
Gender Equality Projects Victoria chairwoman Michelle Barton said the organisation would not be able to do its work without the funding to support its eight volunteers.
She said its $4450 grant would help cover such costs as training and working with children checks.
Ms Barton said the organisation’s volunteers carried out a broad range of tasks, from managing projects to designing the website.
“We would not be able to operate without them, they’re absolutely essential for us,” Ms Barton said.
BEAM, an inclusive, all-abilities dance group in Bendigo, received a grant of $2990.
Director Rebecca Quinn said the money would allow the organisation to expand its training program for its volunteers, thereby giving it the opportunity to take on more volunteers.
Ms Quinn said many of their participants had a disability, so training for volunteers was important.
The grant would also facilitate technology in the classes, she said, and allow BEAM to create training videos.
A complete list of all successful organisations in the Bendigo electorate is below (story continues after table):
A defibrillator is on the way for Kangaroo Flat Men’s Shed, after the Kangaroo Flat Community Group was granted $2400.
Men’s Shed supervisor Terry Knight said the life-saving machine would be taken on outings undertaken by volunteers and participants.
Community group volunteer co-ordinator Carolyn Rasmussen said the grant might also help purchase outdoor furniture for the use of volunteers at the Kangaroo Flat Community House.
She said the organisation was grateful for the grant, which allowed it to give something back to its volunteers.
Mr Knight added that the volunteers, which numbered about 30 at the Men’s Shed, were vital to the initiative.
The work of volunteers giving up their time for the athletics community will be made more comfortable with a grant to Athletics Bendigo of $4000.
General manager Craig Green said the money would be used to purchase mobile sun shades to shelter volunteers working at athletics events, particularly those officiating field events.
The cap gun used at Little Athletics events will also be replaced with an electronic starter gun, which is kinder on the ears.
Scores of people help out Athletics Bendigo, with Mr Green estimating up to 130 people give their time to Little Athletics at any one event.
“Our volunteers are everything,” Mr Green said.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
