Member for Robertson

MEDIA RELEASE 

SENATOR THE HON ARTHUR SINODINOS AO Senator for NSW Sydney

20 August, 2018

Central Coast volunteer organisations encouraged to apply for share of $20 million 

Federal MP for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, and Liberal Senator for New South Wales, Arthur Sinodinos, are encouraging Central Coast community organisations to apply for a share of up to $20 million in funding to support their volunteers.

Ms Wicks said applications for the Coalition Government’s Volunteer Grants programme are now open.

“Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 will help community organisations to buy equipment such as laptops, pay fuel costs, train volunteers and improve their fundraising,” Ms Wicks said.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community and provide invaluable resources to many organisations across the Coast.

“I am proud to be part of a Government that acknowledges the fantastic work of our volunteers and backs them with this $20 million Volunteer Grant program.

“The last funding round assisted many organisation on the Central Coast including Umina Men’s Shed, for example, spending $4,200 to cover computer equipment, reimbursement of volunteers’ training costs and the purchase of power tools.

“Brisbane Water Secondary College (Umina Campus) P & C Association partly used their $2,400 to buy indoor furniture and appliances, outdoor furniture and equipment,” Ms Wicks said.

Senator Sinodinos said 30 organisations on the Coast were among 2,690 groups nationally that benefited from the Volunteer Grants in 2016.

They included Older Women’s Network Australia in Toukley, Berkeley Vale Rural Fire Brigade, Riding for the disabled Association Central Coast Centre and Mingara Rebels Softball Club.

“We encourage all not-for-profit organisations on the Coast to apply for the Volunteer Grants to help make the work of our volunteers easier, safer and more enjoyable.”

For more information or to apply, visit the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au. Applications close Tuesday 18 September 2018.

Media contact: 

• Craig Regan – Senator Sinodinos 0408 448 527
• Charlotte Bowcock – Lucy Wicks MP 0417 042 308