Volunteers at Agios Nectarios Church in Sydney, receive grant for IT upgrade

Volunteers from the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Saint Nectarios in Burwood (Sydney, Australia), have received $3,200 through the Morrison Government’s Volunteer Grants.

The announcement was made by Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid, who added that the federal funding will be used to purchase computers and IT equipment to support the work of volunteers when serving the parish and broader community. Parish volunteers provide vital services, events and activities for the community’s seniors, youth, children, families and those in need of support.

Dr Martin said that Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church has a strong culture of volunteering and giving back that spans across generations: “The Saint Nectarios community is special because I have met families at the parish that have three generations volunteering together."

“In a time where people are isolated due to social distancing, our church communities are relying on technology to continue their social outreach and volunteering. I know that this grant will be well utilised by the parish volunteers," she continued.

The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District was established in 1970 to serve the spiritual, cultural, educational and social needs of the local and broader Greek community. The Morrison Government’s Volunteer Grant funding has coincided with Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church’s 50th anniversary since it was first established.

President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District, Ms Penelopy Kioussis, said that the IT upgrade will help volunteers stay connected to the community. “Our volunteers have been operating without the provision of any computer resources, so we’re extremely grateful to have secured this Volunteer Grant for $3,200.”

“The purchase of a laptop and software will support all our volunteers in their work and in the delivery of projects and services. It will support minute taking, drafting correspondence, the creation of communications materials, as well as website and social media maintenance,” Ms Kioussis added.

The new IT equipment will also support the live broadcast of Church services, which has become essential during COVID-19 where social distancing has limited members of the community attending services in person.

“It is a crucial way for our Parishioners to stay connected to their faith during these challenging times,” Ms Kioussis said.

“What a wonderful 50th anniversary gift to our Parish and Community! We sincerely thank the Member for Reid for her support.”