Kevin Andrews (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Volunteers are the lifeblood of this country, and their work is instrumental in supporting and strengthening all of our local communities. Volunteering Australia estimates that over six million people selflessly give their time and effort to make our communities better places to live. So I was pleased to announce in recent weeks that 16 local community groups in Menzies will benefit from a share in the $9 million of federal funding to support local volunteers across Australia. The grants awarded are between $1,000 and $5,000 and will enable organisations in Menzies to better support their volunteers, purchase small equipment and pay fuel, transport and training costs.

Volunteers are an integral part of our society, especially during the difficult times we've experienced recently. Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community reliance. The successful organisations in Menzies are Diamond Valley Railway; Doncare; Kevin Heinze Grow; South Warrandyte Fire Brigade; the Vantage Point Church; the Russian Literature Society; the Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen's Association; Manningham Inclusive Community Housing; Research Fire Brigade; the Chinese Senior Citizen's Club of Manningham; the Combined Pensioners Association of Bulleen and Templestowe; Eltham Fire Brigade; Manningham Toy Library; Rights, Employment, Accommodation, Leisure (REAL Inc); Wonga Park Fire Brigade; and the Manningham United Blues Football Club.

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