Benalla Girl Guides and Aviation Museum supported by federal grants

All applicants were assessed by a panel of community leaders, and the successful applications were recommended to the government for funding.

Each successful group received a personal phone call from Dr Haines to share the good news.

“There are so many extraordinary volunteers across Indi who work tirelessly to make their communities safe, vibrant and fun places to live,” Dr Haines said.

“These grants will go a long way in assisting volunteers to continue their vital work in supporting our communities.

“They will help to make volunteering more accessible and engage vulnerable people with the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and give back to our community.”

The federal Volunteer Grants program delivers grants of $1000 to $5000 to support grassroots community groups to increase participation and accessibility of volunteering across Indi.

The program assists organisations to pay for fuel, transport and training costs for volunteers, and purchase small equipment that makes volunteering enjoyable and accessible to the community.

“The Volunteer Grants program supports those who support us,” Dr Haines said.

“Volunteering exemplifies community spirit — it is a wonderful way for people to give back to their community, to feel enormous pride, to increase social connections and participation in physical activity.

“Community spirit is something I see right across Indi — a positive community-first mindset that I am proud to represent.

“I am delighted to be able to support and celebrate volunteers who generously share their time and talents to help make our communities the best they can be. Thank you to all our volunteers across Indi.”