Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Volunteer Organisations to Share in $3 million Grants

Over two thousand organisations, whose work supports families and building local communities across Australia, will share in this year’s $3 million Volunteer Small Equipments Grants.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today said this funding would help community organisations across Australia purchase a wide variety of small equipment items for use by their volunteers, making the volunteer’s valuable work easier, safer and more enjoyable.

“Examples of equipment these organisations can use the funding for include urns, microwaves, portable sunshades, computers, folding chairs and tables, and trolleys,” Senator Patterson said.

“Each purchase will make a significant difference to the volunteers’ work, providing equipment to organisations they may not have been able to otherwise afford.

“For the seventh year the Howard Government has continued to offer financial support directly to volunteers, bringing the total funding to over $29 million, and helping over 13 600 community organisations and their volunteers.”

Some of the organisations successful in receiving funding for this current round include:

  • Wartook Valley Wildlife Shelter (VIC): $900 for a microscope to assist in care for injured, sick or orphaned nature wildlife providing veterinary assessment and treatment where required.
  • The Hills Group Riding For The Disabled Inc. (WA): $2,850 for a portable mounting platform to make it easier and safer for volunteers to place children in wheelchairs on and off horseback.
  • Tasmania’s Bridport Fire Brigade: $933 for torches and holders making their work safer by freeing their hands in emergency and rescue situations.

“Each year there are around 4.4 million adults undertaking some 430 million hours of unpaid work.

“Volunteers give their valuable time to help their communities and make a tremendous economic and social contribution to our society and the Howard Government will continue to support their great work,” Senator Patterson said.

A full list of successful applicants will be available from next Wednesday at facs website