Terry Young (Longman, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Volunteers are the heart of our community in Longman. They're the ones coaching junior sport on Saturdays, helping out at the surf life saving club on Bribie Island, running our local shows and looking after those in need—people with disabilities, the elderly, and the homeless. Volunteers quietly get on with the job without expecting anything in return. Without volunteers, many local clubs and charities simply wouldn't operate. But volunteering does more than keep organisations running. It brings people together, strengthens connections and helps form the sense of belonging to something that makes our community such a special place to live. Put simply, volunteers play a vital role in ensuring no-one is left behind.

Despite the steadfast support of volunteers, many local organisations are facing increasing financial pressures. Rising costs are making it harder to cover the expenses of day-to-day operations and properly support the volunteers they rely on. That's why I'm excited to share that expressions of interest are now open for the 2025-26 volunteer grants program. Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to support volunteers in our community. The funding can assist with equipment, training, insurance and fuel costs, reducing pressure on local organisations and ensuring volunteers have the support they need to continue their vital work. If your organisation depends on volunteers, I strongly encourage you to submit an expression of interest by 5 pm on 27 March. To all volunteers across Longman: thank you for what you do.