10-September-2008
Goldstein Media Releases, Community, Funding
The Australian tradition of volunteerism is to be boosted with an extension to the Coalition’s Volunteer Small Equipment Grants.
Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb MP, is encouraging local community not-for-profit groups and School Parents and Citizens Associations to apply for a Volunteer Grant.
Under the program, grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 can be used to purchase equipment, including computers, tools, air conditioners and sporting equipment.
“This gives not-for-profit community groups a chance to encourage more volunteers to be involved in serving their local community,” Mr Robb said today.
For the first time, eligible organisations can also receive a contribution of up to $2,500 to help pay for their volunteers’ petrol bills.
Mr Robb added that “the extra support offered toward the ever increasing cost of petrol will ease the burden on the selfless volunteers that serve our local area.”
The Coalition was the first to recognise the importance of volunteers in Australian society; distributing over $62 million to more than 29,000 organisations since 2001.
Applications close on Friday 17 October.
Further information on the Volunteer Grants Program can be obtained through Andrew Robb’s office on 9557 4644, on the website www.fahcsia.gov.au or by calling the toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374.
Media contact: (03) 9557 4644