Helping those who help others in the Chinese community

Nineteen Chinese community organisations will benefit from the Australian Government’s $16 million Volunteer Grants 2012 initiative.

The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, today said the Government’s investment was delivering much-needed support to local volunteers.

“We know that volunteers give their time, energy and expertise to support our community and these grants are in recognition of their valuable contribution,” Ms Collins said.

“Volunteer Grants 2012 will support a range of groups such as the Chinese Christian Community Service Centre, the Chinese Women’s Association of Victoria and the ACT Chinese Women Cultural Association.

“Organisations will receive a grant of between $1,000 and $5,000 to contribute to their volunteers’ fuel costs and purchase much-needed equipment.

“These include $2,000 for Chinese Welfare Services of South Australia for training courses for their volunteers and $5,000 for Chinese Christian Community Services for air conditioning and computer hardware and software.

“Grants will also help with the transport costs of volunteers with disability who are unable to drive and need to use public transport or taxis as part of their volunteering role.

“Volunteers continue to make a significant social and economic contribution to Australian society, contributing approximately $14.6 billion to the not-for-profit sector each year.

“Across the country, 4,800 organisations with more than 166,000 volunteers will benefit from the Volunteer Grants.

“The Government is committed to supporting our army of volunteers and this year’s volunteer grants will help them undertake their selfless work in supporting local communities,” Ms Collins said.

To find out more about Volunteer Grants 2012 visit www.fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 183 374.

Volunteer Grants 2012 successful organisations supporting the Chinese Community:

Chinese Welfare Services of SA Incorporated

Shun Yeung Taoist Association Incorporated

North Eastern Melbourne Chinese Association

Chinese Christian Community Service Centre

St Theresa’s Aged and Retired Services Incorporated

ACT Chinese Women Cultural Association Incorporated

Chinese Health Foundation of Australia

Australian Chinese Melbourne Society of Authors

Chinese Women’s Association of Victoria Incorporated

China Australia Friendship Association Incorporated

Springvale Mandarin Network

Xinjiang Chinese Association of Australia

The Werribee Chinese School Incorporated

Fitzroy Chinese Women’s Group Incorporated

Tao Phung Indochinese Elderly Association Incorporated

Sydney Chinese Dance Incorporated

Australian Chinese Literature Network Sydney

CASS Care Limited

CanCare Centre Incorporated