November 12, 2024
Four more South Burnett community groups have received funding from the Federal Government’s 2023-24 Volunteer Grant Program.
The grants are distributed on an electorate-by-electorate basis, with Expressions of Interest for the next round expected to open this month.
Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien congratulated the groups for applying in the last round.
The Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group received $3000 to buy sewing machines and overlockers to support the Many Threads group which meets regularly to produce craft items for sale at the The Ration Shed.
The Murgon Mustangs Junior Rugby League Club received $3000 to train volunteers in first aid and CPR, and to reimburse them for the costs they incur when applying for a Blue Card.
“Sport is an important part of life in the South Burnett, and the volunteers who mentor and train our young athletes do an amazing job nurturing the stars of the future,” Mr O’Brien said.
The South Burnett PCYC received $2750 for volunteer training and background screening.
The volunteers at the Creative Country Association – who run the 55 Million Years Ago Museum and Art Gallery in Murgon – received $3895 to buy equipment to help maintain the facility.
“The association was able to purchase a robotic vacuum/mop, robotic window cleaner, and a battery-operated leaf blower with their grant, reducing the manual labour needed to keep the facility looking good for visitors and for the community activities that take place there,” Mr O’Brien said.
The Volunteer Grants scheme provides organisations with grants of between $1000 to $5000 to buy minor equipment, provide training, cover fuel costs, promote awareness of volunteering opportunities or adjust policies and procedures to strengthen members’ safety.
Organisations interested in a grant must first contact their local Federal MP to submit an Expression of Interest, ie. in the South Burnett, organisations should contact the office of David Littleproud in Maranoa, Colin Boyce in Flynn or Llew O’Brien in Wide Bay.
Organisations nominated by their MP are then invited to apply for a grant.
“Every volunteer’s contribution, no matter how big or small, is extraordinary because that person cares enough to serve their community and give of their time, expertise, and resources freely to improve the lives of others. Communities would not be the same without them,” Mr O’Brien said.
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