Supporting our volunteers in Fremantle

The Australian Government has brought to Fremantle today its message to community organisations to apply for this year’s $16 million Volunteer Grants Program.

The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and for Homelessness and Social Housing, Melissa Parke, have visited Fremantle Men’s Shed, one of the 4,800 grant recipients across Australia last year.

Ms Collins congratulated the volunteers on their work and urged Men’s Shed and other organisations to apply for grants worth up to $5,000.

“The Gillard Government understands the invaluable work of our nation’s volunteers and these grants help them to carry out their important work,” Ms Collins said.

“Last year’s 4,800 grants to community organisations helped more than 166,000 volunteers.

“In Western Australia, 326 organisations shared in grants totalling over $1 million.

“Volunteers are an integral part of our culture, heritage and daily life – more than six million Australians volunteer each year.

“Western Australia has a strong tradition of volunteering – 35 per cent of West Australians over the age of 18 volunteer each year.

“I congratulate Fremantle Community Men’s Shed and its volunteers for their important work in the community and for making the Shed a great place for men to work and socialise,” Ms Collins said.

Ms Parke said the Fremantle Men’s Community Shed received $5,000 in Volunteer Grants in 2012.

“This is just one way the Australian Government can thank our selfless volunteers and organisations for their enormous contribution to our community,” Ms Parke said.

“Across Australia last year, more than 100 Men’s Sheds shared in over $360,000 in volunteer grants funding, to assist more than 2,500 volunteers.

“The work of Men’s Shed volunteers has become an integral part of the nation’s mental health initiatives for men.

“It’s great to see some of those people who volunteer their time at the Fremantle Men’s Shed and energy to help support other men in the community.

“I urge all community organisations in Fremantle to apply for a volunteer grant for that little bit of extra help they need to buy some much needed equipment or to help volunteers go about their work.

“For example, the $5000 grant to Fremantle Men’s Shed went towards funding for a computer, first aid kit, water tank, fuel cost reimbursement for volunteers and background checks and training courses for volunteers.”

Applications for Volunteer Grants 2013, of between $1,000 and $5,000, are open until 24 April. To apply, go to http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/