AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS IN RAINBOW BEACH AND TIN CAN BAY

The Rainbow Beach Community Information and Resource Association and the Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed have received funding from the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants program to support the efforts of their volunteers and make their work easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien visited Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay to congratulate the groups on receiving funding from the Australian Government.

The Rainbow Beach Community Information and Resource Association received $4,500 for the purchase of a digital cash register to provide their volunteers with modern point-of-sale technology that will make transactions simpler.

The Association also used their grant to provide fuel vouchers for volunteers, and cultural awareness training opportunities to support volunteers in delivering social services and emergency relief programs in the local area.

“In tough times like these, the volunteers give their time and spend money on travel expenses, so the fuel subsidy and training opportunities are a small way to show them how much they are valued,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed spent their $3,500 volunteer grant on a mobile generator that will allow them to provide support for the community in times of emergency, particularly when there is widespread loss of power.

“Having access to a generator at the shed means that their kitchen, bathrooms, and workshop are available for community use, and emergency responders will have access to the necessary amenities in times of disaster and emergency,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Australian Government Volunteers Grant provides funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to eligible not-for-profit community and service groups, to purchase small equipment or contribute to the cost of training, or fuel subsidies for volunteers.

“These taxpayers funds have been well spent in supporting volunteers who support their communities,” Mr O’Brien said.

Volunteers are our most valuable resource. They perform important work, and our community would not be the same without them.”