Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Volunteers’ efforts recognised through $16 million in grants

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jenny Macklin MP
    Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

  • Julie Collins MP
    Minister for Housing and Homelessness
    Minister for Community Services
    Minister for the Status of Women
    Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development

Thousands of not-for-profit community organisations across Australia will share $16 million in Federal Government grants to support the nation’s volunteers.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and Minister for Community Services Julie Collins today announced the 4600 organisations to be awarded grants.

“The Labor Government recognises the breadth of work being done by millions of volunteers in Australia each year,” Ms Collins said during a visit to the Tasmania Fire Service in Cambridge today.

“Our continuing investment in Volunteer Grants is one of the ways we support the vital contribution made by volunteers in communities across the country.

“Here in Tasmania, $60,000 worth of grants will be shared among 20 of the state’s fire brigades – recognition of the invaluable contribution made by hundreds volunteers who work to protect people, property and the environment.”

Ms Macklin said the grants of between $1000 and $5000 give a much needed boost to community organisations.

“The grants make it possible for organisations to buy equipment or go towards things like volunteer training, background checks and transport costs of volunteers with disability who are unable to drive,” Ms Macklin said.

“This funding ensures volunteers are better equipped to work in disadvantaged communities and help vulnerable Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In addition to Tasmania, fire services in other parts of Australia will also benefit from Volunteer Grants, with the Country Fire Authority and Rural Fire Services to receive more than $400,000 to support some 4700 community volunteers.

Other organisations to receive funding include Meals on Wheels which will receive close to $200,000 to support more than 4400 community volunteers.

St John Ambulance Australia will receive more than $325,000 to support their current volunteer base.

And Lions – a community-based organisation that works to help disadvantaged individuals and families – will receive more than $440,000 to support more than 3500 volunteers.

To find out more about Volunteer Grants including a list of 2013 grant recipients visit www.fahcsia.gov.au or phone 1800 183 374.