By BRIDGET COOK
VOLUNTEER groups across Casey are kicking goals after receiving grants to meet the rising costs of running a not-for-profit organisation.
Twenty-five organisations in the Holt electorate were successful under the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants program and received between $1000 and $5000 in funding.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne visited Casey Comets Football Club last week to award them with a $5000 grant to assist with the club’s purchasing of a computer external hard drive, extra computer software and pay for training course expenses.
Mr Byrne said the grants were a way of recognising the invaluable contribution volunteers made to Australian society in so many different ways.
“They are the life-blood of our communities, but the increasing financial strains they are under makes it difficult for them to deliver the important services they provide to our community every day,” he said.
“These grants will help community organisations to purchase much-needed equipment or as a contribution towards training courses, background checks and transport costs of volunteers with disability, who are unable to drive.
Through these grants, volunteers will be better equipped to assist those who are marginalised, disadvantaged or facing hardship to remain connected to their community.
Other Casey groups that were awarded grants included Narre Warren Scouts, Salvation Army Cranbourne, Association of Hazaras in Victoria, Neighbourhood Watch Casey and Hampton Park Turkish Seniors Group.
Endeavour Sporting Club, Cranbourne U3A, Cranbourne Hampton Park Greek Senior Citizens Club and Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group were some of the other successful grant recipients.
