Broadford Cemetery Trust is one of 16 volunteer groups in the Nicholls electorate to share in funding, in recognition of National Volunteer Week.
The trust received $3200 from the Federal Government to go towards a mechanical wheelbarrow to aid its volunteers in their duties.
Broadford Cemetery Trust secretary Brian O’Dwyer said the trust had wanted to buy a mechanical wheelbarrow for years and was waiting on grant funding.
“We’re very pleased. It’s a very handy machine to use in a cemetery, especially for the more senior volunteers with transporting soil, sand and granite memorials,” he said.
“It makes it a lot easier, rather than pushing a barrow through the mud up a hill, it’s easier with a barrow that has four wheels and a motor, especially at this time of year.”
Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said while the work of volunteers might be unpaid, it was not unrecognised.
“From fighting bushfires, delivering food to vulnerable Australians in isolation and helping with weekend sport, they are all local champions,” he said.
“Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience.”
Mr Drum said the funding injection coincided with National Volunteer Week being celebrated last week.
“It’s vital we acknowledge the important contribution of our local volunteers in Nicholls,” he said.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.
“The bushfires had a devastating impact on many of our people and communities across the country and we are now living through a global pandemic,” Ms Ruston said.
“Volunteers freely give their time and skills to support others and will play a key role in communities over the next few months. This funding recognises the sacrifices they make to help deliver vital services to those who need it most.”
