- The Crisafulli Government has delivered $250,000 for four regional volunteer resource centres.
- Labor's decade of decline saw a 20 per cent decrease in volunteering.
- Short-term funding boost will provide immediate support for the sector while longer-term approaches are explored.
- Support delivers on key action as part of the government's response to the Inquiry into Volunteering.
The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland's volunteers, investing in key infrastructure and providing the fresh start needed to empower Queensland's future.
Support has been strengthened for volunteers across the state with an additional $250,000 in funding across four regional volunteer resource centres: Volunteering Gold Coast, Volunteering Sunshine Coast, Volunteering North Queensland and FNQ Volunteers.
The funding boost forms part of the Crisafulli Government's response to the Inquiry into Volunteering, providing immediate support for a sector that saw volunteering rates drop by 20 per cent during Labor's decade of decline.
Volunteer resource centres help connect people with volunteering opportunities, recruit new volunteers for organisations and services, and provide training to build local capacity and skills.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government would continue to take action to deliver for volunteers in partnership with the sector.
"Queensland's volunteers are the backbone of our communities and the Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring they are well supported to assist Queenslanders," Minister Leahy said.
"The Crisafulli Government's Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering detailed Labor's decade of failings and provided us with the insight needed to support our volunteering sector right across the State.
"These centres will provide immediate support while we continue working with the sector to build sustainable frameworks and policies that empower our volunteers and strengthen the future of volunteering in Queensland."
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said this funding was a strong boost for the Sunshine Coast.
"The Crisafulli Government recognises the vital role volunteers play on the Sunshine Coast and is backing these organisations to continue supporting our community," Ms Morton said.
"This investment will help ensure local organisations can continue connecting people with opportunities to give back and support those who need it most."
Volunteering Sunshine Coast President Caroline Patton said the funding would enable the organisation to continue its operations to support local volunteering.
"It's great to see the Queensland Government recognise the importance of our work to help facilitate volunteering across each of our regions," Ms Patton said.
"Whether it's Meals on Wheels, aged and disability care, animal shelters, surf lifesaving or otherwise, volunteers are the force that keep our Sunshine Coast community safe and connected. This support helps to continue that."
Volunteering Gold Coast CEO Brad Cooper said the funding would help to sustain and advance the positive impact of volunteering on the Gold Coast.
"Ensuring volunteer organisations have the resources they need to welcome and retain volunteers is absolutely essential," Mr Cooper said.
"We're grateful for the Queensland Government's support to continue our work strengthening the capacity of the volunteering organisations here on the Coast.
"This investment is a vital step towards building a more sustainable and empowered volunteering sector."
Volunteering North Queensland President Anne Camplin said the support would enable them to continue playing a vital role in fostering strong and connected local communities.
"This funding will help us to continue our work to grow and support local volunteering efforts, ensuring organisations have the tools they need to thrive," Ms Camplin said.
"It's more than just an investment in volunteering, it's an investment in the future of our communities.
"The work we do strengthens the fabric of North Queensland, helping to build a better, more resilient region for everyone."
FNQ Volunteering President Annette Sheppard said the support from the Queensland Government would enable them to continue their operations and impact.
"This funding means we're able to keep our doors open, providing the services, training and resource support that helps connect volunteers with volunteering organisations," Ms Sheppard said.
"It's this kind of backing that strengthens the volunteering sector and helps build stronger, more connected communities across Far North Queensland."
