FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch is encouraging community organisations in Leichhardt to apply for a grant of up to $5000 to help the work of their volunteers.
Mr Entsch said the funding is being provided under a $20 million Volunteer Grant funding round.
“This is a great opportunity for local community organisations here in Far North Queensland to apply for a grant of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help make the work of the volunteers easier, safer and more enjoyable,” Mr Entsch said.
“These grants can be used by organisations to help with costs incurred by their volunteers, and could include the cost of fuel to take seniors to the doctor, first aid training, background security checks or transport for volunteers with disability who can’t drive.
“Community organisations can also purchase much-needed equipment, such as computers or printers, so they can keep pace with technology.
“In many ways, volunteers are the lifeblood and the backbone of our community and I’m glad to see that organisations in our region can now apply for financial support to help them in their valuable work,” Mr Entsch said.
In opening the Volunteer Grants 2015 Round, the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter MP said this funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting the volunteers who give their time to help others, and who encourage the inclusion of vulnerable people in community life.
“This year’s Volunteer Grants gives priority to organisations working with individuals or communities experiencing disadvantage, including communities affected by natural disasters – so we encourage organisations in these areas to apply,” Mr Porter said.
Applications for Volunteer Grants close at 2pm AEDT on Wednesday 9 December 2015.
For further information, visit www.dss.gov.au/grants, contact the Volunteer Grants 2015 Hotline on 1800 183 374, or email vg2015@dss.gov.au
