Grants support community volunteers in Maryborough and Glenwood

Community groups in Maryborough and Glenwood will share in $19,741 as Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien recognises the valuable work of Wide Bay’s volunteers.

“Volunteers generously give their time, energy, and expertise to support the Maryborough and Glenwood communities through the good times and the difficult times as well, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent floods,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This funding may not be a large amount for each organisation, but it is a valuable investment to ensure volunteers continue their important work in the community, helping families, strengthening community resilience and helping to create a brighter future for Maryborough.

The following Maryborough region organisations have received funding through the Liberal and National Government’s Volunteer Grants Program:

• Maryborough and District Rifle Club – $2,400 for an electronic target and two tablets to aid in keeping scores for volunteers.
• Maryborough Softball Association – $4,926 to upgrade the kitchen with a new oven, rangehood and other electrical appliances.
• Maryborough Woodturners and Woodcraftsmen – $1,997 for a laptop computer and accounting software.
• Glenwood Community Centre – $5,000 for a ride-on mower.

Harmony House will also receive $5,418 through the Stronger Communities Programme for an air-conditioner and computer for its Maryborough Family Contact Centre, which will be opening soon.

“Family contact centres provide a valuable and much-needed service, and I thank the staff and volunteers of Harmony House for their work on the Fraser Coast,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Harmony House is in the process of establishing its services in Maryborough and will provide a safe environment and contact point for separated parents and children.”

Maryborough Woodturners and Woodcraftsmen Guild vice president Lucian Wolf said as a not-for-profit group, the funding was warmly welcomed.

“We rely on donations of timber and sell milled timber and products, and grants like this are important to us as we are able to purchase equipment that we otherwise could not afford,” Mr Wolf said.

Maryborough Softball Association grants officer Mark Jeppesen said the grant for new kitchen equipment would make life easier for canteen volunteers so they could continue to serve the community.

“We wouldn’t be in a position to buy this equipment without the grant, so we do appreciate it,” he said.

Maryborough Rifle and Pistol Club secretary Allan Bishop also thanked Mr O’Brien.

“The Club appreciates Mr O’Brien for this assistance with the electronic targets, it saves a lot of work for our volunteers,” Mr Bishop 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.

“Volunteers do a phenomenal amount to build a strong and vibrant Fraser Coast community, whether it’s encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in sports like the Maryborough Rifle and Pistol Club and the Maryborough Softball Association; encouraging new hobbies like the Maryborough Woodturners and Woodcraftsmen’s Guild; or providing a social hub and advocating for their community, like Glenwood Community Centre,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants Program provided grants between $1,000 and $5,000, with more than 5,000 community organisations nationwide benefiting from the $20 million 2021 grants round.

National Volunteer Week runs from 16-22 May 2022.