COMMUNITY groups in the Lyne electorate are being encouraged to apply for their share of $16 million in volunteer grants.
Mr Oakeshott said the federal government’s Volunteer Grants program for 2012 was now open.
“More than 90 not-for-profit groups in our electorate received $301,000 through this program last year to help with the much-appreciated work they do across the Mid-North Coast,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“It has always been a very popular program in our region, recognising the value in making life a little easier for the volunteers who contribute so much to community life.
“In the past three years, the number of successful applicants to this program from our region has almost doubled, with funding increasing from $190,000 to more than $300,000.
“Our local recipients from last year’s program, ranging from grandparent groups to art societies, used the funding to pay for things like computers, software, training courses, office equipment and reimbursement for fuel costs.”
Mr Oakeshott said the Volunteer Grants program provided funding of between $1000 and $5000 for not-for-profit organisations to help volunteers and to encourage more people to become volunteers. Applications close on July 25.
“It’s a great program and I would encourage all interested organisations to either visit the website at www.fahcsia.gov.au or contact my office for more information,” Mr Oakeshott said.