- The Crisafulli Government is delivering $500,000 in targeted support over the next two years to four regional volunteer resource centres.
- The funding will support key partnerships to deliver statewide initiatives and strengthen regional volunteering into the future.
- The former Labor Government let formal volunteering rates fell by 20 per cent during their decade of decline.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering $500,000 over two years to support four regional volunteer resource centres and strengthen volunteering across Queensland.
Under the former Labor Government's decade of decline, formal volunteering rates fell by 20 per cent, leaving the sector in desperate need of support.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy and backing Queensland's volunteers with targeted investment to strengthen local organisations, support community-led initiatives and help more Queenslanders get involved in volunteering.
The funding will support Volunteering Gold Coast, Volunteering Sunshine Coast, Volunteering North Queensland and FNQ Volunteers to strengthen local networks, build organisational capacity and create more flexible and inclusive volunteering opportunities.
The investment builds on an initial $250,000 funding boost delivered in response to the Inquiry into Volunteering, as the Crisafulli Government works towards a stronger, more sustainable future for volunteering.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was investing in the future of volunteering across Queensland.
"Under the former Labor Government, formal volunteering rates fell by 20 per cent, highlighting the need to better support Queensland's volunteer sector," Minister Leahy said.
"We're investing $500,000 to strengthen our regional volunteer resource centres to give local organisations the support they need to thrive.
"Our volunteers give so much to their communities, and we're making sure they have the backing they need to continue making a difference across Queensland."
Volunteering Gold Coast CEO Brad Cooper said the funding would help the organisation continue supporting volunteers across the region.
"The Gold Coast has a vibrant volunteer culture, with volunteers supporting everything from major events, cultural groups and community programs that make a difference every day," Mr Cooper said.
"This funding gives us the confidence to plan ahead and continue building a strong volunteer network across the Gold Coast, supporting the organisations and initiatives that rely on volunteers across our region."
President of Volunteering Sunshine Coast Caroline Patton said the funding would provide certainty for the organisation and the communities it supports over the next two years.
"This funding will support us to plan for the future and continue connecting organisations across the Sunshine Coast," Ms Patton said.
"It will help us strengthen connections between volunteers and community organisations, while exploring new ways to support and grow local volunteering across the region."
President of Volunteering North Queensland Anne Camplin said the funding would help community organisations continue to access the knowledge, networks and support they need.
"Connecting volunteering groups with the right opportunities is critical to ensuring community organisations can continue delivering services across North Queensland," Ms Camplin said.
"This funding will help us to build on our work coordinating volunteering across the Townsville region, assisting local groups to improve their programs and strengthening the volunteer networks communities rely on every day."
President of FNQ Volunteers Annette Sheppard said the funding would help strengthen volunteer organisations across Far North Queensland.
"Volunteers play a vital role in Far North Queensland communities year-round, and it's important to build community resilience and connections," Ms Sheppard said.
"Without volunteers we would not be able to respond to so many community activities. In Far North Queensland severe weather events and other disasters are a constant reminder of the role volunteers play in the immediate aftermath and during recovery periods.
"This two-year commitment provides valuable support for our organisation, helping us to continue supporting volunteer organisations, building local capability and helping communities remain connected, resilient and prepared for the challenges ahead."
