Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is encouraging local community groups to apply for a Volunteer Grant to help foster community connections and enrich our society.

“I am delighted to invite expressions of interest for the Australian Government’s 2024-2025 Volunteer Grants program,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Volunteers play such an essential role in our community, and these grants aim to support the incredibly important work they do. 

“I love all of our local community groups, from scouts and theatre groups, to choirs, social clubs and of course our many, many sporting organisations, and I’d love for them to apply.

“The grants support the work of community organisations by reducing barriers for volunteers and increasing participation in volunteering.”

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to help community organisations to support the efforts of their volunteers.

Mrs Phillips said grants could be used to purchase items or services that assist volunteers or volunteer-run activities that support the well-being and development of children under 18.

“Thanks to the last round, 25 community organisations across the Gilmore electorate shared in more than $66,000 to buy small equipment and cover the cost of training courses, fuel and transport,” she said.

“I was thrilled that every grant application in the electorate was successful in securing funds.”

Previous recipients have included a number of RFS units, the 1st Batemans Bay Scouts, the Moruya Surf Life Saving Club’s Special Nippers Program, the Berry and District

Historical Society and the North Nowra Girl Guides.

Funds were also awarded to the Conjola Stingrays Outrigger Canoe Club, the Jervis Bay and Community Men's Shed, the Nowra Town Band and the Albatross Musical Theatre Company.

The Gerringong District All Sports, the Lions Club of Gerringong and the Kiama Central Netball Club were also among grants recipients.

“It’s fantastic that we were able to provide a boost for these organisations, whether sporting, arts, social or cultural to help cover the costs of storage sheds, scissors and even a new lawn mower,” Mrs Phillips said.

“At the end of the day, we want volunteers to know that I am backing them, and I will continue to support their work in assisting our South Coast communities.”

Expressions of interests are open until Wednesday 8 January 2025 and the expression of interest form can be found here.

“I encourage groups to apply and if they need more information, they should call my office on 4423 1782 or email me at [email protected]