Mitchell Shire Council is celebrating National Volunteer Week 2023 by offering grants to support local volunteers.
Community groups can apply for a grant of up to $500.
Funds can support volunteer thank you events or activities, training and development or transport.
Every week hundreds of volunteers give up their time to support Mitchell Shire’s community groups and programs.
One example of the many volunteer groups is the L2P Program in Mitchell Shire.
The community-based program assists young learner drivers, between the ages of 16 and 21, who do not have access to a supervising driver or an appropriate vehicle, to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence.
The program relies on the support of volunteer mentors like Seymour’s Noel Pearson, who has been with the program for the past 18 months.
“I wanted to give back to my community and I’ve done plenty of driving in my time so I thought this would be a good fit,” he said.
“It’s very rewarding to be helping young people to get driving experience so they can expand their opportunities for work and education.
“I encourage other people to think about volunteering with the program because it’s a great way to give back and make difference in your community.”
Mitchell Shire L2P coordinator Phillipa Ross said volunteers were an integral part of the program’s success.
“It’s been a very popular program and without volunteers like Noel, a lot of young people in Mitchell Shire would not be able to get their licence,” she said.
“Seeing young people pass their driving test is such a great feeling and we need volunteers to keep making that happen.
“The program is very flexible to suit the schedules of our volunteers. All you need is to be 21 years or older and have a full Victorian licence.
“We’re always looking for new volunteers, so please get in touch if it’s something that interests you.”
For more information about the L2P Program in Mitchell Shire, email L2Phume@berrystreet.org.au.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said volunteers were the backbone of any community.
“The biggest gift you can give anyone is your time, and to also give it freely is exceptional generosity,” she said.
“The warmth, passion, commitment and inclusiveness of a community is influenced by all those amongst us who step up and take on these roles.
“Whether it’s at sporting clubs, around schools and kindergartens, historical societies, community service organisations, those with environmental and sustainability interests, volunteers are key to the success of many opportunities and experiences in Mitchell Shire.”
Cr Stevens said the small grants were one way to say thank you and acknowledge the good work of the generous individuals and groups who often flew under the radar.
“I’m sure they will be most welcomed. I encourage community groups and organisations to apply and to use this money to help them continue the great work they do,” she said.
For more information about council’s volunteer grant and volunteering opportunities, visit www.volunteeringmitchell.com.au.
Applications open Wednesday and close June 7.
For groups wanting to be featured on the council’s website or for those who would like some help applying for the grant, call 5734 6343.
