Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland celebrated the profound influence the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network is having on local volunteerism during its recent annual general meeting and celebrated the $58,000 Emerging Stronger Grant.
The grant was recognition for the work Central Ranges LLEN has been doing through Project Ready, a program that encourages volunteerism among our younger generations, as well as adults as mentors in the program.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2.3 million Victorians were involved with volunteer programs that support communities to be healthier and happier, but following the pandemic, there were up to 50 per cent less volunteers and critical shortages in some areas.
“Facilitating volunteering for secondary students in the way that this LLEN does through Project Ready is an outstanding achievement and they are so deserving of this grant,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I have admired for many years the LLENs’ ability to broker partnerships and bring people together to create positive change.
“The value that volunteers have in reginal communities cannot be overstated. Our emergency service providers, community houses, not-for-profits, sporting clubs, and more, are all built on the backbone of volunteers.”
Ms Cleeland launched a video developed during the emerging stronger initiative and made by young people for your people to assist them to get ready for a work or volunteer placement.
“The video can be such a useful tool for young people looking to get into volunteering,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Anything that can encourage our next generation of volunteers, and best prepare them for life after school, is something worth getting behind.”
The video is available to watch online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOxrsSNorM.
