Coalition sweetens deal with community grants

Yesterday he joined MP Louise Markus in a tour of the electorate, where the pair announced $49,500 in Commonwealth grants to 34 volunteer organisations.

The grants, of between $1000 and $5000, are among 5300 announced across the nation.

Hawkesbury beneficiaries included: Baptist Emergency Accommodation Ministry Inc at South Windsor; Hawkesbury Riding Club at Clarendon; Hawkesbury’s Helping Hands in Windsor; LINCS Volunteer Scheme at North Richmond; National Park Association of NSW Hawkesbury Cumberland Branch; Richmond Community Services; Rotary Club of Windsor; and Windsor District Baptist Church Emergency Relief Inc.

Mrs Markus described the funding as an investment in delivering vital support to small community organisations which help our most vulnerable citizens.

“The grants of between $1000 and $5000 enable local organisations to better support their volunteers by purchasing much-needed equipment and computers, helping with training for volunteers and meeting fuel costs, or undertaking background security checks,” she said.

“In many ways, volunteers are the lifeblood and the backbone of our community and I’m glad to see that our local organisations have benefited to help support their valuable work.”

Minister Porter said the grants aimed to make the work of volunteers easier, safer and more enjoyable.

“Volunteers play a critical role in building stronger and more resilient communities,” he said. “This funding demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting those who help support others.”