By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc has been honoured with the Grassroots Volunteering award at the 2024 Volunteering Awards, recognising the group’s remarkable work in supporting young people in a small, isolated community.
Founded and run by volunteers, Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc offers vital programs that provide a warm, safe and inclusive environment for young people to connect, engage, and grow.
The group works without external funding, relying on the dedication of its volunteers and support from the local community.
The founder of Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc, Belinda Grooby said they’re so proud to be recognised for the work they do.
“Our focus has always been on the wellbeing of young people, and to receive this award shows that the efforts of our volunteers are making a real difference,” Ms Grooby said.
Tribe’s chief executive officer Caitlyn Richards also expressed her gratitude.
“Being part of an event that acknowledges the hard work of volunteers in Victoria is truly special. It means a lot to us,” she said.
The Tribe’s mission is simple but vital – to provide a safe space where young people can explore their interests, build relationships, and receive the support they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Their programs are particularly impactful for families in the Monbulk area, where support services are limited.
“We’ve seen firsthand how much we’ve impacted the lives of young people in our community,” Ms Richards said.
“When we first started, I saw how the space we created helped young people grow into confident, respectful individuals – that’s the most rewarding part of our work.”
Despite the challenges faced by volunteer-run organisations, such as securing funding and finding volunteers, Tribe Monbulk Youth continues to thrive thanks to the commitment of its team.
“Funding is always a challenge, and we rely on local community support through fundraising and grants,” Ms Grooby said.
“But the dedication of our volunteers has kept us going, even when times get tough.”
Volunteers are the backbone of the Tribe, but as lives become busier, attracting new volunteers can be difficult.
“It’s harder to find volunteers these days, and it’s crucial that they go through screening processes to ensure the safety of the young people we serve,” Tribe founder said.
The support Tribe Monbulk receives from the community, including Monbulk Member Daniela De Martino has also been crucial.
“Having the backing of local residents and our local member of parliament has been essential,” Ms Grooby said.
“It helps us stay informed about new services and opportunities, which has allowed us to reach and support even more young people in our community.”
Ms De Martino congratulated the youth group on their incredible achievements.
“I’ve seen firsthand the positive effect Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc has on young people in Monbulk – the work they do creates a safe, engaging space for youth, and it changes lives,” Ms De Martino said.
Grassroots volunteering plays a key role in communities like Monbulk.
As the senior team leader. Rachel Richards puts it, “volunteering is incredibly rewarding, you are not just helping a young person when they need it most, but you’re also becoming part of something much bigger than yourself.”
For more information on Tribe Monbulk Youth, and the 2024 Volunteering Awards, visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events.
