Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on the opportunities the Albanese Labor government is providing to local community groups through the Volunteer Grants program. As the member for McEwen, there is nothing I value more than representing our community, in this place and at home, but what does come close is being able to assist those in our community who spend their valuable time and effort making our towns and suburbs better places to live. The government's volunteer grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people whilst also promoting awareness through increased participation in volunteering.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 have been made available during each round to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations to support the efforts of the volunteers. Grant funding can assist with a lot of critical things, including small portable equipment purchases, contributions towards the cost of training volunteers, reimbursement of fuel costs for volunteers, and undertaking the background screening checks for those working with vulnerable people.

We all know the value of volunteers. Without these individuals' dedicated and selfless efforts, these community groups would not exist. These grants assist groups to make the role of the volunteer easier but also promote the benefits of volunteering. We also need to acknowledge, though, that the myriad tasks that need to be done often rest on the shoulders of too few in any organisation. There has been a noticeable decrease in volunteering across all manner of groups since COVID, and the community groups are struggling to fill the roles needed to keep the organisations flourishing. These grants go some way to helping address that.

I was lucky enough recently to meet with many volunteer groups in McEwen and congratulate them on being the recipients of funding under the latest round of the grants program. I'm continually inspired by their drive and dedication to contribute to our community. They ask for no recognition and just go quietly about their roles with no fanfare. They quietly ensure that our sports are played, those in need are cared for and our communities are safe and protected. Simply put, they just go and get the job done. Today I would like to acknowledge some of those people and community groups in McEwen and recognise how the Volunteer Grants program is assisting them.

No explanation is needed of the value the Woodend CFA provides to its community. They are everyday heroes who put themselves between our community and danger. It was an honour to meet with former captain and brigade member Mike Dornau recently and congratulate him on a successful grant application to fund new hoses and dividing breech fittings. He explained that this equipment will allow the brigade to utilise longer, lighter and easier-to-manoeuvre hose lines in bushfires, assisting their ability to contain blazes and keep themselves safe.

Anyone that knows me knows that I have a high regard for groups like Love in Action and Freedom Care Inc. These two organisations are ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our community who are doing it the toughest are fed and cared for. Love in Action Wallan provides emergency hampers of essential grocery and household items for those in need. President Sarah Brewer advises that the latest grant funding will provide fuel reimbursement for volunteers and mental health first aid training so volunteers can connect with and assist care recipients who may be struggling. This community group, born of an idea of Jeremy Scrivens, has grown to be one of the most sensational things you'll ever see. The way they work together as a collective, coming together to talk about strength and unity in our community, is second to none. Freedom Care Inc is a food relief agency in Kilmore providing ongoing food assistance for people who are struggling financially. Committee member Debbie Morris explained to me that the grant funding they receive will provide much-needed office and OH&S equipment to assist volunteers to help those most in need.

As Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Men's Sheds, I have seen firsthand the huge benefits that sheds provide across the nation. In fact, the Men's Shed movement has now become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing, helping men to once again become valued and productive members of our society. President Chris Eavis and Secretary/Treasurer Urs Bierdermann welcomed me recently to Diamond Creek Men's Shed and explained how their grant funding will replace an older model table saw with one that will provide members with an easier and, most importantly, safer experience.

In the latest round of volunteer grants, I was able to meet with 18 different community groups on successful funding that totalled over $66,000 for our community. This is money they do not have to spend time fundraising—time that is better spent with the people they serve. These grants not only make the role of the volunteer easier; they allow them to spend more time doing what they do best—caring for our community. I acknowledge all the volunteers in McEwen for their contribution to our community.

House adjourned at 20:00

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