Community groups in the New England are being encouraged to view the extension of the previous Coalition Government’s Volunteer Grants program 2023-24 guidelines.
The program is designed to assist the efforts of community organisations to secure and support Australia’s volunteers, and to help community organisations to support the inclusion of vulnerable people through volunteering.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said volunteer organisations can commence the Expression of Interest (EOI) process through his electorate office to apply for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000, but it is important for applicants to understand the guidelines and criteria in order for their applications to be considered and be successful.
Mr Joyce said the Australian Government’s 2023-24 Volunteer Grants program will be open 6 November 2023. Eligible organisations must submit an EOI to be considered for a grant.
Mr Joyce, with the assistance of a committee of local community leaders, will consider the submissions and nominate projects. Nominated organisations will then be invited to apply for funding from 6 November 2023. Successful applicants will be announced in May 2024.
“There are three types of people in this world, the ones that throw rubbish out a car window, those that complain about those that through rubbish out the car window and there are those that pick it up. This program supports those special people in our community that pick it up”, Mr Joyce said.
“Whether it’s volunteering with Meals on Wheels, helping in the canteen at the junior soccer or responding to emergencies with the State Emergency Service, our volunteers play an important role in our communities.
“The Volunteer Grants program was an initiative established by the former Coalition Government to support local volunteers, ensuring they can continue their valuable work in the community safely and appropriately.”
“These grants can help pay for equipment or for promotional activities that increase participation in volunteering, as well as reimburse fuel costs and expenses associated with transport and training,” Mr Joyce said.
“I know how beneficial these grants have been to previous recipients over the years, so I encourage all eligible organisations to reach out to my office to get access to the new guidelines in preparation of submitting an EOI to my office ahead of the program opening on 6 November 2023.”
The Volunteer Grants Guidelines are available by contacting the Tamworth or Tenterfield electorate offices on 6761 3080, 67361099 or by downloading the guidelines at barnabyjoyce.com.au.
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