Forty-one volunteer-based organisations from Port Macquarie to the Manning Valley are in line for a cash boost, after securing a share of a federal funding round.
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has welcomed the announcement that the groups, spread across the electorate, have successfully secured funding under the Department of Social Services volunteer grants program.
Ms Penfold said the grants, totalling $66,665, would help local organisations purchase equipment, undertake training, improve accessibility and make volunteering easier and more rewarding for community members.
“Volunteers are the heart of our communities,” Ms Penfold said.
“They give their time, skills and energy to support others, strengthen local connections and help deliver services and activities which many people rely upon.”
The local recipients and their grants include Clarence Town Rural Fire Brigade ($2,500), Clarence Town Lions Club ($1,300), Dungog Tea Party ($2,450), Gloucester RSL Sub-branch ($2,500), Gloucester Thunderbolts Swimming Club ($2,500), Gloucester Charities ($2,000) and Great Lakes United Football Club ($1,500).
Also successful were Great Lakes Women’s Shelter ($2,000), Forster Tuncurry Senior Citizens Association ($2,500), headspace Taree ($1,000), Taree Craft Centre ($1,500), Old Bar Soldiers’ Memorial Hall ($1,500), Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club ($1,500) and Riding for the Disabled Wauchope-Port Macquarie ($1,500).
Further afield in the electorate, grants went to Bolwarra-Lorn Junior Soccer Club ($2,500), Coomba Aquatic Club ($2,500), Karuah Rugby League Football Club ($1,500), Pacific Palms Football Club ($2,500), Tea Gardens Soccer Club ($1,000), Tinonee Memorial School of Arts ($1,500) and Wards River Rural Fire Brigade ($2,500), among others.
Ms Penfold said the grants would provide practical support to community organisations across the electorate, ensuring they had the resources they needed to recruit, retain and support volunteers.
“Whether it’s sporting clubs, community and welfare organisations, environmental groups or other local volunteer-driven organisations, these grants will help build stronger and more resilient communities,” she said.
“I congratulate each of the successful organisations and thank the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes every day.
“Their contribution is invaluable and deserves recognition.”
Ms Penfold said she looked forward to seeing the positive impact of the funding across the electorate.
“Every volunteer hour makes a difference, and this investment will help ensure local organisations can continue supporting the people and communities which depend on them,” she said.
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