Jodie Belyea (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'm thrilled to share with the House that 31 not-for-profit organisations in my electorate of Dunkley have been successful in this year's federal government volunteer and stronger communities grant rounds. In Dunkley, the Volunteer Grants program awarded a total of $62,000 to 31 not-for-profit organisations to put towards supporting their volunteers and increasing volunteer participation, and the Stronger Communities Program awarded $85,000 to 12 local organisations.

These organisations are more often than not operated by a dedicated group of volunteers. Volunteering is sometimes a thankless task, but it's the heart of our community in Dunkley. At a time when volunteering is declining across the country, Dunkley locals keep digging in and doing their bit to improve the lives of others. Without the tireless work of volunteers, many essential services and sporting and other social clubs that form the social fabric of our amazing community simply would not exist. Services like the Miscarriage Information Support Service, who support women who have experienced early pregnancy loss, would not be able to continue. The Langwarrin Men's Shed, who do critical work to engage and support men to connect in the community and with each other, would not exist. The Monterey Secondary College Breakfast Club, the Frankston Raiders Rugby League Club and the Seaford Tigers Cricket Club all have a distinct role to play in our community. Their hard work has also been recognised and remunerated. These clubs and organisations rely on volunteers and provide important activities for children, young people and adults. Activities build community connection and wellbeing. They are important for mental health. As someone who founded a local not-for-profit, I know how much of a financial boost these grants provide.

As everyone in this chamber will know by now, I was a youth worker. I have never forgotten the work I did and my commitment to ensuring our young people have the best opportunities and remain engaged in our community and civics education. That is why I am an avid supporter of the youth parliament and look forward to working with my community to find a young person from Dunkley to be part of the National Youth Parliament.

Over the past 14 months, as the MP for Dunkley, I've had the opportunity to speak with young people, parents and professionals from all across our community. A clear pattern has emerged: growing concern about the mental health and wellbeing of our young people and their access to secure housing, and uncertainty about their future, particularly around the cost of education and employment opportunities, even in the context of historically low unemployment. Many young people have also expressed deep concern about climate change and global instability. Community forums have further revealed a strong sense of frustration and anxiety around issues like youth, antisocial behaviour, homelessness and the impact of social media on mental health. These concerns are echoed by residents who are increasingly worried about safety and the wellbeing of local young people.

These issues aren't abstract; they're being felt in homes, on our streets and throughout the community and became even more evident during conversations on doorsteps during the by-election and federal election. Therefore the Emerging Leaders Program aims to engage, educate and empower young people who are emerging leaders from the Dunkley electorate.

Young people who are interested in being advocates and change agents, locally and more broadly, will be engaged to build their leadership skills and knowledge and develop strategies for progressing solutions to issues impacting young people in the Dunkley community. The program will be available for young adults aged 18 to 21 years, with the application process open in September. You can check out my newsletter for updates.

Dunkley has its challenges. Our youth need empowerment, but our community is resilient and always rallies together. I'm looking forward to visiting all of the organisations that have received grants to see the incredible contributions and thank them for their dedication.

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