Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain is encouraging local community groups to apply for grants of up to $5000 to assist the work of their volunteers.

Ms McBain said there is $66,225 available for Eden-Monaro not-for-profit organisations whose workforce consists of at least 40 per cent volunteers.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our regional communities. Across Eden-Monaro we have a strong culture of community service but volunteering is hard work,” Ms McBain said.

“This is why Volunteer Grants are available to allow organisations to purchase equipment to make volunteers’ work easier, safer or more enjoyable.

“Whether it is volunteering for your local sports club, assisting in times of emergency through services like the RFS, SES or St John’s Ambulance or helping out with gardening and working bees to get our much loved ag shows up and running – our communities wouldn’t be the same without the efforts of our local volunteers.”

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible community organisations to buy equipment, contribute to fuel costs, assist with training or to purchase items that help promote volunteering opportunities. Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering.

To be nominated to receive a Volunteer Grant you must lodge an Expression of Interest.

Expressions of Interest close Sunday 25 September. For more information see https://www.kristymcbain.com.au/grants-news/2022-23-volunteer-grants-families-and-communities-program/

If you have any questions you can email [email protected] or phone 6284 2442 (Queanbeyan) or 6492 0542 (Bega).