Twenty-four not-for-profit organisations across Gippsland will share in more than $60,000 in federal funding to support volunteers and strengthen local communities.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the funding, delivered through the 2025-26 Volunteer Grants Program, would provide practical support to community organisations that rely on volunteers.
Grants of between $1,500 and $4,500 will help successful organisations improve the volunteer experience, make volunteering more inclusive and accessible, and recognise the enormous contribution volunteers make across the region.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Gippsland communities,” Mr Chester said.
“From emergency services and sporting clubs to service organisations, environmental groups and community events, thousands of Gippslanders generously give their time to help others.
“This funding helps remove practical barriers that might otherwise prevent people from volunteering, while supporting volunteer-run initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and encourage more people to get involved.”
Successful recipients include Gippsland Go Kart Club, Tyers Soccer Club, Gippsland Rangers Roller Derby, Sale Public Cemetery Trust, Heyfield War Memorial Committee of Management, 1st Yarram Scout Group, Rosedale Bowling Club, Lakes Entrance She Shed, Tamboon Inlet Community Association, Gormandale Football Netball Club, Boolarra Men’s Shed and Longford Pony Club.
Mr Chester said the Volunteer Grants Program served as an important recognition of the unpaid work carried out by volunteers across Gippsland every day.
“With the increasing cost burden facing many volunteer organisations, these grants will help local groups continue their work and make the role of volunteers easier and more enjoyable,” Mr Chester said.
“Whether they are caring for our environment, supporting young people, helping those in need, maintaining community facilities or keeping local sport alive, volunteers strengthen every corner of Gippsland.
“Their contribution may be unpaid, but it is far from unrecognised.”
The following not-for-profit organisations have received funding under the 2025-26 Volunteer Grants Program:
• Gippsland Go Kart Club
• Pax Hill Tennis Club
• Tyers Soccer Club
• Gippsland Rangers Roller Derby
• Morwell Tennis Club
• Lifeline Gippsland
• Boolarra Men’s Shed
• Longford Pony Club
• Sale Public Cemetery Trust
• Sale Hockey Club
• Heyfield War Memorial Committee of Management
• Sale City Band
• 1st Yarram Scout Group
• Rosedale Bowling Club
• Stacey’s Bridge Hall Committee
• Gormandale Football Netball Club
• Tamboon Inlet Community Association
• Bairnsdale Lapidary Club Inc
• Bairnsdale Scout Group
• Lakes Entrance She Shed
• Family History Research Centre Lakes Entrance
• Lakes Entrance Neighbourhood House
• Tambo Valley Golf Club
• Tamboon Peachtree Association Inc
