Local volunteer groups funded

 

First Lismore Scouts, Alstonville High School P&C, Byron Bay groups including Goodwill Bicycles Abroad and the Australian Indonesian Arts Alliance, Ballina’s Community Gardens and Senior Rugby League, Bangalow Community Children’s Centre, Kingscliff Football Club, Pottsville’s Beachside Communicare and Lillian Rock’s Blue Knob Hall are among a range of local groups sharing in almost half a million dollars of federal funding announced yesterday.

Community organisations in the Page and Richmond electorates will receive $308,650 and $197,000 respectively under the federal government’s 2013 Volunteer Grants program.

Richmond MP Justine Elliot said 53 organisations in her electorate had been successful under the program and that the grants, which range between $1,000 and $5,000, will help volunteers meet the rising costs of running a not-for-profit organisation.

‘They are the lifeblood of our communities, but the increasing financial strains they are under makes it difficult for them to deliver the important services they provide to our community every day,’ she said.

‘These grants will help community organisations to purchase much-needed equipment or as a contribution towards training courses, background checks and transport costs of volunteers with disability who are unable to drive.

‘This is just one way the Rudd Labor government can say thank you for the selfless work and commitment of local volunteers,’ Mrs Elliot said.

In Page, more than 80 local volunteer organisations have benefited.

‘The list includes volunteer firefighters; sporting clubs, youth programs, seniors groups, Meals on wheels, health support groups; community radio, community halls, Aboriginal organisations; service organisations, mobile soup kitchen; community transport, church and welfare groups; veteran support, social clubs and many more,’ said Page MP Janelle Saffin.

The full list of recipients and further information is available online at www.fahcsia.gov.au or by calling 1800 183 374.

 

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