13-February-2008
Goldstein Media Releases, Community
Andrew Robb MP, Federal Member for Goldstein, has announced that applications for Australian Government funding through the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund in 2008/09 are now invited.
“This volunteer support funding is intended to assist agencies to develop recruitment, retention and training activities. This fund established by the previous government in 2004, recognises that these emergency volunteers give so freely of their time to protect the lives and property of others in the Bayside community,
“Volunteers are a vital part of everyday Australian life through their selfless service and their inspiring deeds needs to be recognised and supported,” Mr Robb said.
Eligible volunteer emergency management organisations across Bayside are encouraged to apply. Applications for funding through the initiative in 2008/09 will close on 7 March 2008.
Andrew Robb is also calling on the Rudd Government to ensure that the popular Local Grants Scheme continues after its current round of funding ceases in June this year.
The Local Grants Scheme, also initiated by the previous government in 2004, provided grants at the local government level to assist communities to develop and implement emergency risk management initiatives, enhance protective measures for critical infrastructure and provide emergency management and security awareness training for local government staff.
Last year, Bayside City Council received $48,174 through the scheme to develop a recovery plan in order to be better prepared for any emergency situation. The scheme has played an important role in developing safer, sustainable and self-reliant communities.
The National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund is administered by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), a Division of the Attorney-General’s Department.
Details of the program, including Guidelines, Application Forms and Applicant Guides can be found on the EMA website www.ema.gov.au/communityengagement.