Community groups in the Parkes electorate are being urged to apply for the latest round of Federal Government funding to support their volunteers.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said eligible not-for-profit community organisations can now submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) to his office for the 2021 Volunteer Grants program.
“We all know how important volunteering is to rural and regional communities, and this week has highlighted just how critical our volunteers are as people pull together to help those impacted by flooding across the state,” Mr Coulton said.
“Volunteers play a vital role in shaping this electorate; they give countless hours of their time for the betterment of their communities – whether it is responding to natural disasters and emergencies, being involved with local sporting teams or helping local charities to support some of our most disadvantaged people.
“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid, it is not unrecognised.”
Mr Coulton said the Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering.
“Many community organisations have found that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected their access to volunteers,” Mr Coulton said.
“This grant opportunity will help organisations reinvigorate volunteering in their communities.”
The grants of between $1,000 to $5,000 can be used to buy small equipment for volunteers, to support promotional activities, or for the reimbursement of volunteer fuel, transport or training costs.
“I am inviting eligible organisations to submit an expression of interest to my office by 16 April,” Mr Coulton said.
“A committee of local leaders will consider organisations and nominate projects up to the funding cap.”
The Department of Social Services will then send an application form to nominated organisations to apply for funding in May 2021. Successful applicants will be announced in November 2021.
Eligible organisations in the Parkes electorate can download an EOI form for submission to Mr Coulton’s office by 5pm AEST Friday 16 April 2021.
More information is available by contacting the Broken Hill electorate office on 08 8087 7649 or by visiting www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/
