Eight Gympie region community groups will share more than $28,000 in federal funding to support local volunteers, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.
“Gympie has an incredibly strong community spirit, and it simply would not be the same without the volunteers who work tirelessly through good times and bad to support our region,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Whether it’s helping us celebrate the good times like the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, and keeping our beaches safe like Tin Can Bay Surf Club, or supporting us through some of the most challenging parts of life like Cooloola Coast Medical Transport, you can always be sure that volunteers will be around to make life better.”
“This week marks National Volunteers Week, and I am glad to be able give back to our volunteers with this funding from the Coalition Government so they can continue their work and build a stronger, safer and happier Gympie region.
“I thank all volunteers everywhere for the work they do giving of their time and expertise to make the lives of others easier, and I congratulate the organisations on the success of their applications,” Mr O’Brien said.
The grants awarded are between $1,000 and $5,000, and will enable organisations in Wide Bay to better support their volunteers to purchase small equipment, pay fuel, transport and training costs, as part of the $9 million national Volunteers Grants Program.
The following organisations have received funding:
| Cooloola Coast Medical Transport | $4,320.00 | To assist with volunteer travel costs. |
| Hope Reins | $4,320.00 | To purchase a new quad bike for feeding horses and enabling volunteers to conduct farm duties and arena maintenance. |
| Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving Club | $4,320.00 | To provide furniture and storage, upgrading facilities for surf lifesaver training programs and community education courses. |
| Goomeri Pumpkin Festival | $4,310.00 | For a flatbed trolley and drinking water storage. |
| Kilkivan District Amateur Swimming Club | $2,810.00 | Fans and refrigeration for storage and administration shed. |
| Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed | $2,000.00 | Woodworking equipment including repair or replacement of wood lathe, plus hand tools, cordless drills and sanding equipment. |
| Woolooga Old Coach Trail Riders | $1,690.00 | A laptop to assist with organising the annual trail ride and fundraising event for Angel Flight. |
| Friends of Kandanga Group | $4,310.00 | A mower to assist with maintaining the RV Park and surrounding grounds where community events are held. |
National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May and is run by Volunteering Australia. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting the Volunteering Australia www.volunteeringaustralia.org/update-on-national-volunteer-week-2020/#/.
