Every week hundreds of generous volunteers give up their time to support Mitchell Shire’s community groups and programs.
That’s why Mitchell Shire Council is celebrating National Volunteer Week 2023 by supporting local volunteers.
Community groups can apply for a grant of up to $500. Funds can support volunteer thank you events or activities, training and development or transport.
One example of the many volunteer groups that would benefit from these grants is the L2P Program in Mitchell Shire.
The community-based program assists young learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 years who do not have access to a supervising driver or an appropriate vehicle, to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence.
The program relies on the support of volunteer mentors like Seymour’s Noel Pearson, who has been with the program for the past 18 months.
“I wanted to give back to my community and I’ve done plenty of driving in my time so I thought this would be a good fit,” he said.
“It’s very rewarding to be helping young people to get driving experience so they can expand their opportunities for work and education.
“I encourage other people to think about volunteering with the program because it’s a great way to give back and make difference in your community.”
Mitchell Shire L2P Coordinator Phillipa Ross said volunteers are an integral part of the program’s success.
“It’s been a very popular program and without volunteers like Noel, a lot of young people in Mitchell Shire would not be able to get their licence.
“Seeing young people pass their driving test is such a great feeling and we need volunteers to keep making that happen.
“The program is very flexible to suit the schedules of our volunteers. All you need is to be 21 years or older and have a full Victorian licence.
