VOLUNTEER GROUPS URGED TO APPLY FOR GRANTS

The work of volunteers is set to receive a big boost with Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announcing grants totalling up to $132,450 will be made available to organisations in the region. 

Mr McCormack said expressions of interest (EOI) in the $20 million 2021-22 Volunteer Grants Round were now open. 

Community groups can apply for grants of between $1000 and $5000. 

“Grants in this double round can be used to buy small equipment for volunteers or for the reimbursement of volunteer fuel, transport or training costs,” Mr McCormack said. 

“From talking with volunteer organisations throughout the Riverina and Central West I know how helpful grants in previous rounds have been in delivering the vital services they provide in our communities and I urge all volunteer groups to contact my office and obtain an expression of interest form as soon as possible.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic, coming on the heels of the long drought and last year’s terrible bushfire season, has thrown many challenges at our volunteer groups and this grants round will be of great help to them.” 

Mr McCormack said further information about the Volunteer Grants Program and EOI forms could be obtained by telephoning his Wagga Wagga Electorate Office on (02) 6921 4600 or by emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au 

More information is also available by visiting the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au 

The EOI period closes on Tuesday, 20 April. Mr McCormack will then consult with a local advisory committee on which EOIs progress to the application stage. Successful EOIs will be invited to apply for a grant between 20 May and 9 June 2021. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in November.