Llew O’Brien recognises vital work of Cooloola Coast volunteers

10/5/2019

Llew O’Brien recognises vital work of Cooloola Coast volunteers

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is recognising the valuable work of volunteers, with more than $20,000 in grants for Cooloola Coast community groups.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 will be provided through a $20 million Volunteer Grants program to help 34 Wide Bay community organisations with needs including buying equipment, paying fuel costs, and training volunteers.
 
Some of the organisations in Wide Bay receiving grants today are;

• Cooloola Coast Medical Transport – $5,000.00 – To help with vehicle and travel expenses for volunteers.
• Tin Can Bay Fishing Club – $3,190.00 – Equipment to help volunteers with training courses and workshops, storage of essential documents and records and facilities for visiting groups.          
• Tin Can Bay Meals on Wheels – $5,000.00 – For equipment including a barbecue and urn to help with fundraising, first aid kits, fuel vouchers and office equipment.
• Cooloola Coast Youth Activity Project – $4,190.00 – To assist with organisational software, fuel reimbursement, first aid equipment, gazebo awnings for weather protection, chairs, and barbecue equipment.
• Cooloola Coast Branch Little Athletics Centre – $3,000.00 – For computer equipment, fuel costs, training in first aid and child safety, first aid kits, two sun-shelter gazebos, and storage containers.

“Wide Bay simply would not be the same without volunteers, who are the lifeblood of our communities and deliver important services, support and assistance,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The energy, expertise and time our volunteers give represents what Australian communities are all about – offering a helping hand.

“I am glad to be able to extend a helping hand in return with this funding from the Coalition Government so they can continue their work and build a stronger, safer community.”

Mr O’Brien said volunteering also had a significant economic benefit to local communities.

“The enormous value of volunteering is estimated at $290 billion per year. Australia’s 8.7 million volunteers and their organisations are the backbone of community life,” he said.

“The Morrison Government’s strong economic management is why we can afford to provide the essential services Australians rely on and support the good work of our volunteers.”

ENDS