newy.com.au – Hunter sporting clubs, rural fire brigades and community organisations have secured federal volunteer grants of between $1000 and $2500 to help with equipment, training and accessibility improvements.
Lyne MP Alison Penfold said 41 organisations across her electorate would share $66,665 through the Department of Social Services volunteer grants program. That figure covers the wider electorate, including communities on the Mid North Coast, rather than the Hunter alone.
Among the Hunter recipients, Bolwarra-Lorn Junior Soccer Club and Northern Suburbs Maitland Cricket Club will each receive $2500. The Newcastle-Hunter Australian Breastfeeding Association has been awarded $1000.
Clarence Town Rural Fire Brigade will receive $2500, while Clarence Town Lions Club has secured $1300. Elsewhere in the Dungog district, Dungog Tea Party will receive $2450, the Country Women’s Association Gresford Branch $1250 and Paterson River Pony Club $1500.
Karuah Rugby League Football Club has been awarded $1500. Tea Gardens Soccer Club and Pindimar Bundabah Community Association will each receive $1000.
Around Gloucester, the RSL sub-branch and Gloucester Thunderbolts Swimming Club will each receive $2500, while Gloucester Charities has secured $2000. Wards River Rural Fire Brigade will receive $2500 and Lions Club of Bulahdelah $1500.
Ms Penfold said the grants would provide practical help for organisations to recruit, retain and support volunteers, as well as buy equipment, undertake training and improve accessibility. Individual spending plans for the recipients were not detailed in the announcement.
She said the funding recognised the contribution volunteers made to services and community activities.
“They give their time, skills and energy to support others, strengthen local connections and help deliver services and activities which many people rely upon,” Ms Penfold said.
