Chris Crewther (Dunkley, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to talk about and recognise the tireless work dedicated volunteers provide in my electorate of Dunkley. Volunteers play a critical role in helping to shape Australia and build stronger and more resilient communities. Whether it is helping those with special needs, assisting our most disadvantaged or contributing to local land and wildfire projects, their generosity is felt through all parts of our society.

The Australian government is providing up to $20 million through the 2018 Volunteer Grants Program to support and encourage volunteers in our local communities. I'm pleased to announce that 31 well-deserving organisations in Dunkley have been successful under this program. Some of these include Mornington Railway, based in Mount Eliza; Mums Supporting Families in Need; Dress for Success Mornington Peninsula; Orwil Street Community House; Belvedere Community Centre; Rotary Club of Frankston; Life-Gate Inc.; Miscarriage Information and Support Service; That's The Thing About Fishing; and AWARE Wildlife Rescue, to name but a few. These are some of the organisations we can support more and more by managing a strong economy and delivering a surplus. Recently I had the privilege of visiting AWARE in Langwarrin and talking to president Gillian Donath about the fantastic work they do, providing a free service to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife. These are the organisations we need to support. I congratulate all organisations in Dunkley— (Time expired)