By Callum Ludwig
21 local volunteer groups across the Casey electorate have received grants from local MP Aaron Violi to help support their efforts.
The grants aim to help groups that provide opportunities for social inclusion in the community and establish a volunteer base that supports the local area whether be in local sport, arts or the environment.
Manager of the Seville Community House Vikki Harrison said they were delighted to receive a volunteer grant.
“Our grant will be spent on purchasing first aid kits, defib machines and a tag and test machine,” she said.
“This equipment will be used at both the Community House and the Seville Public Hall where we are now running a lot of our Community House activities.”
The Woori Community House was also a recipient of a grant.
“We would love to thank Aaron Violi’s office for providing funding to purchase an external defibrillator and also be able to provide free training on its use for all our volunteers and community members,” said Manager Sonja Mazar.
“It will be a great asset and will be accessible at all times, on this side of the road, especially in an emergency.”
The grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the needs of the groups.
President of the Koha Community Cafe Suyin Chan said it will make a huge difference for them in covering the cost of equipment, infrastructure upgrades and the mandatory police checks for volunteers.
“We can now purchase some equipment and upgrade some of our infrastructure to continue to keep our gardens going which supply vegetables to Koha for our meals and additional funding also means we can upskill some of our volunteers by offering them a First Aid course,” she said.
“The cost to Koha to do the police checks is difficult as we run on such a tight budget, so to have them covered is a great relief.”
Other organisations in the Upper Yarra to receive a grant where the Gruyere CFA, Katu Katu, the ADRA Redwood Community Centre, Woori Yallock Football Netball Club, Ben’s Shed, Benwerren and the WHYLD Community group which will put their funds towards gardening equipment to maintain the grounds around the Don Valley Hall.
Mr Violi said volunteers are the backbone of our community here in the Yarra Ranges.
“We have so many valuable community organisations that are made up of
hardworking local volunteers. These people give so much without expecting anything
in return,” he said.
“We all benefit from the work of volunteers, so it’s great to be able to give something back to so many groups right across our community.”
