FUNDING BOOST FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

The Morrison Government will provide a funding injection for 19 local community groups and organisations in Petrie to support the work of local volunteers.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.

“The bushfires had a devastating impact on many of our people and communities across the country and we are now living through a global pandemic,” Minister Ruston said.

“Volunteers freely give their time and skills to support others and will play a key role in communities over the next few months. This funding recognises the sacrifices they make to help deliver vital services to those who need it most.”

Member for Petrie Hon Luke Howarth, said “I was pleased to have secured $65,000 for the electorate of Petrie and its volunteer groups.”

The volunteer groups who received a grant included:

• $1,100 for 99.7 Bridge FM
• $5,000 for Aspley Special School Parents and Citizens Association
• $1,500 for Bracken Ridge Uniting Church Congregation
• $4,590 for Deception Bay Branch Little Athletics Centre Inc
• $4,810 for Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc
• $4,890 for Guides Queensland
• $1,800 for Hope Centre Services
• $5,000 for Lions Club of Redcliffe/Kippa-Ring Inc
• $2,000 for Peninsula and Districts Football and Sporting Club Incorporated
• $1,900 for Peninsular Development Riding Centre Inc
• $5,000 for Pine Rivers Koala Care Association Inc
• $2,960 for Redcliffe Musical Theatre Inc
• $4,940 for Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving club Inc
• $3,000 for Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Deception Bay Sub-Br
• $4,990 for Southern Cross Swimming Club Inc
• $1,900 for St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland
• $2,500 for The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc
• $5,000 for The Lakes Football Club Inc.
• $2,420 for Unit Committee T.S Moreton Bay Incorporated

“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is not unrecognised,” Member for Petrie Mr Howarth said.

“From fighting bushfires, delivering food to vulnerable Australians in isolation and helping out with the weekend sport, they are all local champions.

“Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience.”

Mr Howarth said the funding injection coincides with National Volunteer Week being celebrated this week.

“It’s vital we acknowledge the important contribution of our local volunteers in Petrie electorate.”

Nationally, volunteering has an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.

The awarded grants are between $1,000 and $5,000. National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting the Volunteering Australia website.