Four community groups in Lower South West region among 4000 to receive Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants

Four community groups in the Lower South West have been awarded funding in time for National Volunteer Week. The Federal Government announced the recipients of the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants program this week, with the organisations in the region joining nearly 4000 across the country being successful. Bridgetown Family and Community Service is the biggest winner in the region, being awarded $4000 towards the cost of running a conference to provide training to volunteers on governance, human resources, finances and management. The Bridgetown-based Blackwood Environment Society will receive $3060 to help train volunteers in nursery protocols and practices, hygiene protocols and safe workplace practices. Mayanup Horse and Pony Club will spend its $1320 grant on providing first aid training for volunteers, while the Walpole Community Resource Centre has been provided $3000 for a volunteer thank you day. O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson congratulated the organisations, stating each was active in building community in the region. “Ahead of Volunteering Week, I would like to thank the thousands of people across my vast electorate who regularly take time to work for others and foster the common good,” he said. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said volunteers played a unique role in the community and made significant contributions. “These grants help to reinforce the volunteering sector, and in turn help many vulnerable Australians across the nation to access the support they need,” she said. “A strong volunteering sector is a reflection of our combined efforts to strengthen community connections, promote change and enrich our society.” The announcement comes ahead of National Volunteer Week which runs from May 20 to 26.