FUNDING TO REPLACE FLOOD-DAMAGED TOOLS

Maryborough Services Memorial Bowls Club Inc has been awarded $5000 under the latest round of
Volunteer Grants funding, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has announced today.

Volunteers who work on garden maintenance and landscaping to assist the club greenskeeper were left empty-handed when floods hit in the night and damaged the greenskeeping tools.

Mr O’Brien said the funds would help reimburse the club for greenskeeping, gardening and landscaping equipment, and also cover the cost of courses to upskill club volunteers in Responsible Service of Alcohol, umpire marking courses, and first aid.

Maryborough Services Memorial Bowls Club Inc secretary Ms Jocalyn Hansen said the funding would help reimburse the club spending on a new edge-trimmer, mower, and other tools purchased to repair flood damage.

“We train volunteers so that they receive qualifications, experience and confidence and many then go out and get paid work in the community,” Ms Hansen said.

“They are very important for the sport, it’s good for our club and it is good for them because they meet new friends.”

Mr O’Brien said volunteers at the Maryborough Services Memorial Bowls Club were essential in assisting the club in getting back on its feet.

“Volunteers with boats initially checked on the club during the floods, and then they were there to help remove debris and mud from the greens,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Volunteering to do the jobs that most people do not want to do is a sign of remarkable community spirit. Thank you to everyone who helped.”

Mr O’Brien said he hoped the Labor Albanese Government did not slash the 2022 Volunteer Grants funding round, which the Coalition had planned to hold in the second half of this year with organisations in the electorate able to apply for a slice of $66,225.

ENDS