As the school holidays come to an end, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has thanked first responders and emergency service volunteers for keeping locals and visitors safe.

“We have so many amazing people in our community that have our backs – whether at the beach, at sea, on our roads or in the bush,” she said.

“I’m so proud of our surf life savers, Marine Rescue members, RFS and SES volunteers, as well as all our paid first responders who work hard and give up their time for our community.

“The Easter holidays are always busy on our roads, beaches and waterways as people come here to enjoy our magnificent coastline, fresh air and friendly hospitality.”

Mrs Phillips has also given a shout-out to local businesses and employees who worked over the busy holiday period.

“If you worked over Easter, whether as a nurse, in a supermarket or a local café, you deserve your penalty rates.

“If you volunteered your time to prepare meals for the less fortunate, run an op-shop or help out at a community event – thank you.”

Recently Mrs Phillips had the pleasure of meeting up with Kiama SES volunteers who have been all around the state helping with flood recovery efforts, and she was also pleased to meet the volunteers who run the Jamberoo Youth Hall.

“Volunteers make our community a better place to live and work,” Mrs Phillips said.

“They share their knowledge and encourage others to volunteer and experience the satisfaction of giving back.”

Mrs Phillips said she was proud to support volunteer organisations with a variety of grants from the Albanese Labor Government.

“I recently delivered a $15,000 grant to the Jamberoo Youth Hall Association committee as part of the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program,” she said.

“A new air conditioning unit will bring relief for user groups over summer, and new energy efficient appliances and solar panels will help cut power bills.”

The Jamberoo Youth Hall committee is one of nine community organisations across Gilmore that shared in more than $112,000 under Round 9 of the Stronger Communities Program.

Mrs Phillips has encouraged community organisations to sign up for her Grants Bulletin to keep up to date with all the funding opportunities as they become available via her website: fionaphillips.com.au

Photo 1: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with members of the Jamberoo Youth Hall Association committee.

Photo 2: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with Kiama SES volunteers.