Local volunteer groups secure funding boost
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has welcomed the announcement that 41 volunteer-based organisations across the region have successfully secured funding under the Department of Social Services volunteer grants program.
Ms Penfold said the grants, totalling $66,665, would help local organisations purchase equipment, undertake training, improve accessibility and make volunteering easier and more rewarding for community members.
She congratulated the successful recipients, saying the funding recognised the vital role volunteers played in supporting local communities.
“Volunteers are the heart of our communities,” Ms Penfold said.
“They give their time, skills and energy to support others, strengthen local connections and help deliver services and activities which many people rely upon.
“I'm delighted to see local organisations successfully secure this funding, which will help them continue their invaluable work and support the dedicated volunteers who make such a difference.”
Ms Penfold said the grants would provide practical support to community organisations across the electorate, ensuring they had the resources they needed to recruit, retain and support volunteers.
“Whether it's sporting clubs, community and welfare organisations, environmental groups or other local volunteer-driven organisations, these grants will help build stronger and more resilient communities,” she said.
“I congratulate each of the successful organisations and thank the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes every day.
“Their contribution is invaluable and deserves recognition.”
The successful recipients include:
Bolwarra-Lorn Junior Soccer Club Inc - $2500
Byabarra Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager - $1000
Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club - $2000
Clarence Town Lions Club - $1300
Clarence Town Rural Fire Brigade - $2500
Coomba Aquatic Club - $2500
Coopernook Action Group - $1200
Country Women's Association Gresford Branch - $1250
Dungog Tea Party - $2450
FAWNA (NSW) - $1500
Forster Tuncurry Senior Citizens Association - $2500
Gloucester Charities - $2000
Gloucester RSL Sub-branch - $2500
Gloucester Thunderbolts Swimming Club - $2500
Great Lakes United Football Club - $1500
Great Lakes Women’s Shelter - $2000
Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club - $1500
headspace Taree - $1000
Karuah Rugby League Football Club - $1500
Kendall Community Centre - $1180
Lions Club of Bulahdelah - $1500
Mid Coast Community Quilters - $1000
Mid Coast Outreach - $1000
Mitchells Island Community Hall Land Manager - $1599
Moorland Soccer Club - $1000
Mount George School of Arts Reserve Land Manager - $1000
Newcastle-Hunter Australian Breastfeeding Association - $1000
Northern Suburbs Maitland Cricket Club - $2500
Old Bar Soldiers' Memorial Hall - $1500
Pacific Palms Football Club - $2500
Paterson River Pony Club - $1500
Pindimar Bundabah Community Association - $1000
Riding for the Disabled Wauchope-Port Macquarie - $1500
Rollands Plains Community Group - $2186
Taree Craft Centre - $1500
Tea Gardens Soccer Club - $1000
The Bobin School of Arts - $1000
The Girl Guides Association NSW Illa Langi Campsite - $1000
Tinonee Memorial School of Arts - $1500
Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW - $1000
Wards River Rural Fire Brigade - $2500
Ms Penfold said she looked forward to seeing the positive impact the funding would have across the electorate: “Every volunteer hour makes a difference, and this investment will help ensure local organisations can continue supporting the people and communities which depend on them.”
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