The Braybrook Maidstone Neighbourhood House is one of 41 community organisations in Fraser to receive a Volunteer Grant.
Fraser MP Daniel Mullino recently announced all organisations that applied were successful in their grants, including neighbourhood house manager Vivienne Con who received $1200.
“The house can’t function without the volunteers, so we spend all the money from the grant on the safety of the volunteers to keep them happy,” she said.
Ms Conn said her 20 regular volunteers work hard for their community in need.
“The money will be spent over the next 12 months on several things,” she said.
“Mostly it goes towards a travel allowance for the volunteers as they drive their own cars each week to pick up emergency relief food from Yarraville, and free bread from Sunshine Bakers Delight.”
As expensive as fuel can be, Ms Conn doesn’t want her volunteers paying for it.
Other expenses will also include buying a new safety step ladder, police checks for new volunteers and a new hot plate for their barbecue.
“When we have special occasions and big programs where we need all volunteers on deck we also pay for their way to and from the destination,” Ms Conn said.
“We rely on all of our volunteers who have all stayed for a long time and enjoy being here.”
Last year, the house received the same grant which lasted them the entire year.
“We were very grateful for that grant, we spent it on an outdoor sink which we use all the time as well as a radio which everyone loves.”
