Natalie Hutchins MP, Member for Sydenham, is encouraging volunteer groups in Sydenham to apply for round two of the Volunteering Innovation Fund. The Fund is now open with grants of up to $50,000 available for projects that create change and inspire more people to volunteer in parks and forests.

The $2 million investment is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $105.6 million Victoria’s Great Outdoors program, to encourage innovation, and attract a greater diversity of people volunteering in parks and forests.

A host of passionate volunteers work to support and conserve our parks and forests in Sydenham. The Volunteering Innovation Fund is building on this incredible work and inviting everyone to enjoy Victoria’s Great Outdoors through volunteering.

More than $300,000 was awarded as part of Round One of the Fund, which provided up to $20,000 per successful project.

Round two applications closes at 5pm on Thursday 22 April 2021. Short-listed applications will be put to public vote on Engage Victoria mid-year to decide the funding recipients.

The Volunteering Innovation Fund aims to include people from all walks of life to volunteer in our parks and forests, benefiting the environment, volunteers and the community.

For more information: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/volunteering/volunteering-innovation-fund

Quotes attributable to Natalie Hutchins, MP

“Local volunteers in Sydenham are passionate about our environment and I look forward to seeing all the applications to the Volunteering Innovation Fund to support, expand and diversify environmental volunteering in our local area.”

“Volunteering in parks and forests is a great way to contribute to conserving Victoria’s special places and we want to connect more people with the benefits of being in nature in Sydenham.”