Funding boost for volunteers across Australia

Fifty Volunteer Resource Centres across Australia will have their funding significantly increased following an announcement from Minister for Community Services Senator Nigel Scullion today.

Under the expanded Volunteer Management Program $4.8 million in funding will be made available to Volunteer Resource Centres (VRC) from 1 July 2007 to increase the training, advice and volunteer management services they offer to volunteers and not-for-profit organisations.

Senator Scullion made the announcement in Alice Springs where the Australian Government is providing $53,083 to fund a new VMP funded Volunteer Resource Centre.

‘I am very pleased to be able to make this announcement as it is a massive increase in funding and recognition of the vital role volunteers play in the community,’ Senator Scullion said.

‘Volunteers in rural and remote areas will benefit as the funding boost will allow VRC’s to extend their reach and support volunteers in outback communities.

‘Changes to the VMP allow centres to increase support for groups such as corporate volunteers, culturally diverse volunteers, grey nomads, young people and Indigenous volunteers. The changes will also provide for increased training programs and greater support to not-for-profit organisations over wider locations.

‘As part of the expanded funding, VRCs will now submit one set of reporting documents to the Australian Government every six months.

‘Coupled with the new funding, this reduction in red tape will enable organisations to operate more efficiently and provide more training options to volunteers and volunteer managers.

‘These changes further assist volunteers across the country- just reward for selflessly dedicating their time in all spheres of our communities,’ Senator Scullion said.