Giving back to Mary Valley, Gympie, and Pomona volunteers

Pomona’s Majestic Theatre and the Gympie Golf Club are among more than 5,000 community organisations across Australia to share in $20 million through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s 2021 Volunteer Grants round.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said the grants will enable the organisations to give back to their volunteers through purchasing small equipment, covering fuel costs, and ensuring their comfort and safety while volunteering.

“The magnificent Majestic Theatre at Pomona has been in operation for almost 100 years, and it simply wouldn’t be able to keep going without support from volunteers, so this $3,244 grant will go towards a new washer and dryer to make cleaning easier; a new marquee for markets; and fuel vouchers to help cover out-of-pocket expenses for volunteers,” Mr O’Brien said.

Majestic Theatre president Alison Hadfield thanked Mr O’Brien for the funding.

“It’s been a real help, and will enable us to re-invigorate our volunteers,” Ms Hadfield said.

Mr O’Brien said Gympie Golf Club will receive $3,000 to purchase relocatable outdoor chairs and tables, shade gazebos, eskies, tools and PPE to assist with volunteer working bees.

“Gympie Golf Club has a strong history of supporting the community with fundraising and charity events like the Little Haven Palliative Care Pink Golf day, and this funding is a way to give back to the volunteers who make it all happen,” Mr O’Brien said. 

Gympie Golf Club president Damien Perissinotto said the club valued every one of its volunteers, and would purchase equipment to help ensure they were safe and comfortable during working bees and events.

“We are very thankful for grant funding and assistance received, not just in this grant, but with assistance from all levels of government,” Mr Perissinotto said.

“This has made the work of volunteers much easier than it would have otherwise been.”

Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Association will also receive $5,500 for four new security cameras, through the Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

“Volunteers from the Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Association put 100,000 fingerlings into Lake Borumba every year, making it a popular tourism attraction for fishers from all over south-east Queensland and beyond,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This grant will help keep their premises safe and secure, so they can continue to invest their own money back into running the club.”

Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Association secretary Rod Thompson said all of the Club’s fundraising went towards keeping the dam stocked.

“We’re a not-for-profit group and every one of our 50 club members volunteers to help, so this funding will help keep the clubhouse safe so we can continue to put our money into fingerlings,” Mr Thompson said.

Volunteers are integral to many Australian organisations, with more than 8.7 million volunteers across the country giving their time freely to support their communities.

National Volunteer Week runs from 16-22 May 2022.