FUNDING FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS IN NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

A host of volunteer and community groups in North and Far North Queensland will benefit from funding boosts provided by the Morrison Government.

Townsville-based Senator, Susan McDonald, said 17 groups would receive grants to support the work of their volunteers.

“This funding will be used to for various measures such as offsetting travel costs, building shadesails, buying computer equipment and supplying folding tables and chairs,” she said.

“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is not unrecognised. From fighting bushfires, delivering food to vulnerable people in isolation and helping out with the weekend sport, they are all local champions.
“Without volunteers, smaller communities especially would be without places for recreation, social interaction, entertainment and events.
“Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience.”

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.
“The bushfires had a devastating impact on many of our people and communities across the country and we are now living through a global pandemic,” Minister Ruston said.
“Volunteers freely give their time and skills to support others and will play a key role in communities over the next few months. This funding recognises the sacrifices they make to help deliver vital services to those who need it most.”

Senator McDonald said the funding injection coincides with National Volunteer Week being celebrated this week.

“I’m extremely pleased the government has offered these funds during National Volunteer Week, and I invite all community groups to monitor our grants website for future funding rounds,” she said.

Nationally, volunteering has an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.
The awarded grants are between $1,000 and $5,000. National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting the Volunteering Australia website https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org.

Information on various funding opportunities for community groups can be found at www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants.