FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce has encouraged community organisations in the New England Electorate to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to assist the work of their volunteers.

Mr Joyce said the funding is being provided under a $20 million Volunteer Grant funding round, announced by the Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter MP.

“This is a great opportunity for community organisations in the Electorate to apply for a grant of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help make the work of their volunteers easier, safer and more enjoyable,” Mr Joyce said.

“These grants can be used by organisations to help with costs incurred by their volunteers, and could include the cost of fuel to take seniors to the doctor, first aid training, background security checks or transport for volunteers with disability who cannot drive.

“Community organisations can also purchase much-needed equipment, such as computers or printers, so they can keep pace with technology.

“In many ways, volunteers are the lifeblood and the backbone of our community and I’m glad to see that our local organisations can now apply for these grants to help support their valuable work,” Mr Joyce said.

In opening the Volunteer Grants 2015 Round, Mr Porter said this funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting the volunteers who give their time to help others and who encourage the inclusion of vulnerable people in community life.

Applications for Volunteer Grants close 2pm AEDT, Wednesday 9 December 2015. For further information go to dss.gov.au/grants alternatively, contact the Volunteer Grants 2015 Hotline on freecall 1800 183 374 or email vg2015@dss.gov.au