Forbes Toy Library, Forbes Netball Association and the Bedgerabong Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Association received a welcome boost before Christmas with Member for Riverina Michael McCormack announcing they will receive grants to support the vital work they do for the community.
“The support is being delivered through the Federal Government’s 2021 Volunteer Grants opportunity,” Mr McCormack said.
The funding program provides community organisations with grants of between $1,000 and $5,000, which can be used to buy small equipment for use by volunteers, reimburse volunteer fuel costs, meet training costs, transport volunteers with a disability or support promotional activities on volunteering activities.
Mr McCormack said 41 organisations in the Riverina and Central West would share in a total of $131,306.
“There are many thousands of volunteers in the Riverina and Central West who improve our community every day by turning up and helping out,” Mr McCormack said.
Forbes Toy Library will receive $1,000, Forbes Netball Association will receive $2,850 and the Bedgerabong Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Association will receive $4,200. Mr McCormack said NSW Small Winemakers Incorporated (Forbes) would also receive a $1,500 grant.
“I thank the grant recipients, indeed all volunteer groups, for the wonderful work they do for the community.”
There are more than 8.7 million volunteers around Australia and their economic contribution is estimated at $290 billion a year.
Mr McCormack said the 2021 Volunteer Grants program would deliver a total of $18 million to more than 5,000 organisations nationwide. The Riverina Electorate grants were nominated by Mr McCormack in consultation with a community consultative committee.