It’s National Volunteer Week and community organisations across the Gilmore electorate will share in more than $66,000 to buy small equipment and cover the cost of training courses, fuel and transport.
The Australian Government continues to recognise the efforts of volunteers and community organisations, announcing 25 groups from Kiama to Moruya would each receive grants of up to $5,000 through the $10 million 2023-24 Volunteer Grant Round.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she was thrilled that every grant application in the electorate was successful in securing funds.
“This funding boost is welcomed as it will provide greater support for local volunteers and ensure they can continue to support their community,” Mrs Phillips said.
“These grants ensure that we are supporting our volunteers to continue to provide the essential services to our community.”
Eurobodalla recipients include the 1st Batemans Bay Scouts which will receive $3,000 to purchase camping equipment and $3,000 will provide first aid training for the Moruya Surf Life Saving Club’s Special Nippers Program.
Rural Fire Brigades in Nelligen, Malua Bay and Mogendoura, along with the Eurobodalla Volunteer Operations Support Rural Fire Brigade will each receive funds for essential communications and portable fire fighting equipment.
In the Shoalhaven area, beneficiaries will include the Berry and District Historical Society, North Nowra Girl Guides, the new Conjola Stingrays Outrigger Canoe Club and the Jervis Bay and Community Men's Shed.
Grants will also allow the Nowra Town Band to purchase learner instruments and the Albatross Musical Theatre group to buy petrol vouchers, containers to store costumes and sewing accessories such as scissors.
Mrs Phillips said community organisations in the Kiama area set to receive a funding boost included Gerringong District All Sports, the Lions Club of Gerringong and the Kiama Central Netball Club among others.
“It’s fantastic that we are able to provide a boost for these organisations, whether sporting, arts, social or cultural to help cover the costs of training, storage sheds or even a new lawn mower,” she said.
“All of these organisations have such an important role to play in fostering community connections, promoting change, and enriching our society through social and cultural experiences.
“At the end of the day, we want volunteers to know that we are backing them, and I will continue to support their work in assisting our South Coast communities.”
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, highlighted the critical role volunteers play in local Australian communities, especially as many Australians continue to face cost of living pressures.
“Volunteers play a vital role in many different ways, whether it be helping out in times of disaster or crisis, supporting the most vulnerable people in our community, or assisting with community events,” Minister Rishworth said.
“These grants will allow many community organisations to better support the efforts of their volunteers, with this Grant Round to make a positive impact on the wider volunteering sector.”
More information about Australian Government grants is available on the GrantsConnect website.
GILMORE VOLUNTEER GRANT RECIPIENTS:
1st Batemans Bay Scouts - $3,000 - camping equipment.
Moruya SLSC - Special Nippers Program - $3,000 - first aid training.
Berry & District Historical Society Incorporated - $2,216 - small equipment items.
Gerringong Sunrise Rotary - $1,100 - first aid qualification.
Jervis Bay & Community Men's Shed Inc - $1,500 - expand computer knowledge.
Conjola Stingrays Outrigger Canoe Club Inc - $2,600 - first aid training through St John Ambulance.
North Nowra Girl Guides - $3,000 - fuel cards for volunteers, training for volunteers and background checks for volunteers.
Nowra Town Band - $3,000 - replace learner instruments.
Arts Council of Eurobodalla (Art Central) - $3,000 - promoting awareness of and increasing participation in volunteering opportunities.
Albatross Musical Theatre Company - $3,000 - petrol vouchers, containers to store costumes and sewing accessories such as scissors.
Malua Bay Rural Fire Brigade - $3,000 purchase of a handheld radio to provide the brigade with enhanced first response and coordination.
Eurobodalla Volunteer Operations Support Rural Fire Brigade - $3,412 - purchasing electrical equipment.
Mogendoura Rural Fire Service - $3,000 - purchasing electrical equipment.
Organisation - Gerringong District All Sports inc - $3,500 - ride on mower.
Lions Club of Gerringong Inc - $2,000 - transport costs.
Bomaderry Cricket Club - $3,000 - club gazebo.
Nowra Croquet Club - $1,500 - lawn and gardening equipment.
Milton Ulladulla Videography Club - $3,149 - purchasing equipment.
Country Women's Association Nowra - $3,000 - purchasing portable equipment.
Marine Rescue NSW Sussex Inlet - $3,000 - first aid, rescue boards, and a defibrillator.
Bay and Basin Amateur Swim Club - $2,100 - purchasing electrical equipment.
Mollymook Outrigger Canoe Club - $3,000 - inflatable boat platform
CareSouth - $2,500 - transport costs
Nelligen Rural Fire Brigade - $1,147 - purchasing portable items.
Kiama Central Netball Club - $3,500 - purchasing storage.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with members of the Albatross Musical Theatre Company which will receive $3,000 to purchase petrol vouchers, containers to store costumes and sewing accessories such as scissors.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
