Across the Southern Downs region, 40 organisations will share in more than $100,000 of Federal Government grants to support the work of their volunteers.
Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott said the investment would deliver much-needed support for local volunteers.
“As recipients of the 2011 Volunteers Grants, the organisations will receive a grant between $2000 and $5000 to contribute to their volunteers’ fuel costs and purchase much-needed equipment,” Mr Scott said.
“For the first time, the grants will also help cover the transport costs of volunteers with a disability who are unable to drive and need to use taxis or public transport as part of their volunteering role,” he said.
“This is fantastic news for the volunteers in the Maranoa electorate.
“There is a proud tradition of volunteering in the region, with many local residents giving their time, energy and expertise to support our communities.
“I am committed to supporting our army of local volunteers and this year’s volunteer grants will help them continue to undertake their selfless work for our community,” Mr Scott said.
To find out more about Volunteer Grants, visit www.fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 183 374.
Allora Tennis Club Incorporated – $5000
Caters for residents of all ages and abilities, including local students. Volunteers offer instruction in the sport of tennis and maintain Club facilities as a venue for local community groups and recreational events. The Club provides residents with a welcome opportunity for social interaction and recreational outdoor activity.
Clifton & District Progress Association Inc – $3500
Provides pamper days to hardworking volunteers who deserve recognition for their hard work. Volunteer therapists provide a variety of rejuvenating and therapeutic treatments, including massages and pedicures, providing lunch in a relaxing environment, giving respite to volunteers, especially those affected by natural disaster, and fosters community spirit.
Clifton Benchrest Shooters Union Inc- $1000
Comprises volunteers who share a passion for competitive outdoor activity and reach out to increase community participation, including from people living with disability, in the Union’s activities. Volunteers donate their time and energy to maintain the grounds and facilities and educate the wider community on safe sporting practices.
Clifton State High School Parents and Citizens Association – $2540
Volunteers from many different backgrounds come together to support the administrative work of the School and to run the school canteen. The Association is a friendly and welcoming place for parents and citizens to work together towards the future of the town and the education of local children
Wattles Junior Rugby League Football Club – $5000
Volunteers administer training, organise competitive activities and hold fundraising events to support local community groups and causes. The Club and its devoted volunteers help to foster a more inclusive and integrated community by teaching children of many ages and abilities the values of teamwork and self-discipline
Glen Aplin Memorial & Sports Club Inc – $3030.78
One of the primary venues for community engagement in the local area. The volunteers provide a highly valued service by maintaining the hall for meetings, local sporting groups and various other volunteer organisations in this rural community. The Club’s volunteers actively demonstrate social responsibility and facilitate a support network for the citizens of Glen Alpin.
Inglewood Pony Club Incorporated – $3700
Encourages participation in equine sport in a safe and supportive environment. Volunteers are dedicated in their work, providing instruction in riding and instilling in members the skills to care for their animals. Activities of the Club foster community spirit and provide individuals and families in local and surrounding areas with the opportunity for social interaction.
Parish of Texas, Inglewood Anglican Church – $3995
Offers support and an opportunity for isolated individuals to engage with the community. Volunteers endeavour to improve the welfare of the community by providing disadvantaged and disengaged community members with emotional and practical assistance, such as referrals to welfare services, and helping newly-arrived families and individuals integrate into society.
SSAA Inglewood Incorporated – $5000
Volunteers share a passion for competitive outdoor activity and strive to increase community participation in the Association’s activities. Volunteers maintain the Association’s facilities and educate the wider community on safe sporting practices. The Association encourages community participation, including from people living with disability, and maintains a safe environment for pursuit of target range interests.
Killarney District Rural Fire Brigade – $1575
Committed to the protection of their local community during times of emergency, the volunteers provide an essential lifeline for community members in distress due to bushfires and other incidents, working in unison to save lives and protect property. By encouraging volunteers from many different backgrounds to collaborate for the benefit of their local community, the Brigade helps to forge a spirit of mateship in the area.
Millmerran Hospital Auxiliary – $1400
Liaises with businesses and government bodies to promote the interests of the hospital. Volunteers stage various community activities and fundraising initiatives to finance improvements to hospital resources and infrastructure. The Auxiliary encourages social inclusion and integration by uniting people of all ages and backgrounds to support the Hospital’s service to the community.
Millmerran Swimming Club Inc – $1580
Caters for swimmers of many ages and abilities in the Millmerran region. Volunteers administer training, organise competitive activities, promote water safety and hold recreational events that enable local families to come together and socialise. The Club and its devoted volunteers teach participants values of teamwork and self-discipline.
Severnlea West Bushfire Brigade – $3578.90
Provides emergency assistance to local community members and acts as a focal point in the Burragate region. Volunteers respond to fires and motor vehicle accidents and increase community capacity by emphasising the importance of preparedness and prevention. The Brigade fosters a more secure and progressive community by promoting fire safety and encouraging a sense of camaraderie among volunteers.
Border Rugby Leauge – $4850
Caters for residents of all ages and abilities, including the socially isolated. Volunteers administer the League in a number of rural communities, conduct training sessions, transport and support players, including those marginalised by low socio-economic conditions. The League provides residents with a welcome opportunity for social interaction and recreational outdoor activity.
Girl Guides Queensland Incorporated Stanthorpe Support Group – $4150
Promotes the social, intellectual and cultural development of young girls. Under the guidance of dedicated volunteers, the girls undertake educational activities and participate in community projects, such as Clean Up Australia Day and ANZAC Day. Participation in the group encourages young girls from all walks of life to develop leadership skills and learn values of tolerance, respect and humanitarianism.
Stanthorpe Agricultural Society – $4980
Stanthorpe Agricultural Society organises the annual Stanthorpe Show to highlight local produce, crafts and livestock. Volunteers work to ensure the event’s success by organising competitions, entertainment, food and educational activities. The Society brings individuals and families together to learn about and celebrate local achievements, fostering a sense of community pride and togetherness.
Stanthorpe Campdraft Committee – $4999
Brings together a wide range of local industries and talents to organise the annual Stanthorpe Show. Volunteers from the Stanthorpe Campdraft Committee are an integral part of the show, staging equestrian events and activities for the entertainment of the community. The Committee connects the members of this rural community and fosters integration through a common interest in campdrafting.
Stanthorpe Amateur Swimming & Lifesaving Club – $5000
Connects residents from many different backgrounds by acting as the sporting hub of the local community. Volunteers contribute by coaching participants, organising swim meets and educating the community about water safety. The Club provides residents of many ages and abilities with opportunities to interact socially while benefiting from a healthy and active lifestyle.
Stanthorpe Basketball Association Inc – $3699
Encourages community members of all ages and abilities to develop healthy, active lifestyles through participation in basketball. Volunteers provide training to players, organise competitive activities and educate match officials in refereeing, scoring and timekeeping. The Association fosters social interaction and a sense of community spirit where community members can develop valuable sporting and social skills.
Stanthorpe Carlton United Football Club Inc – $5000
Welcomes all people with an interest in football. Volunteers assist with training, organise match days and build community awareness of the Club at local events. By teaching children about healthy lifestyles and teamwork in a socially inclusive setting, the Club strengthens ties within the community and enriches community spirit.
Stanthorpe City Soccer Club Inc – $4500
Enables the local residents to enjoy one of Australia’s favourite pastimes in a friendly, inclusive setting. The Club operates with a base of dedicated volunteers who assist with training, grounds maintenance, fundraising and transport for the players. By teaching young people about healthy lifestyles, team values and social interaction, the Club continues to shape generations of engaged residents.
Stanthorpe Cricket Umpires Association Inc – $4600
Offers community members the opportunity to participate in competitive junior, senior and representative grade cricket. Volunteers provide essential umpiring services for matches, fulfil administrative duties and ensure a safe and supportive environment for participants. The Association encourages social interaction, fitness and community involvement for umpires in the Stanthorpe region.
Stanthorpe Jockey Club Incorporated – $4750
Brings the residents of Stanthorpe together to enjoy the popular sport of horse racing. The volunteers of the Club organise the annual race meeting, a major social event that connects community members through a shared sense of local identity, and help to raise funds for other community organisations. The Club provides residents of Stanthorpe and the surrounding regions with the chance to develop social connections and engage with their community.
Stanthorpe Junior Cricket Association Inc – $4990
Offers children and young people the chance to develop personal and athletic skills through participation in the sport of cricket. Volunteers undertake numerous activities to benefit the Association and region, such as maintaining the grounds, coaching players and organising recreational community events. As a focal point of this rural community, the Association encourages social inclusion for players and volunteers.
Stanthorpe Rugby League Football Club Inc – $4930
Provides an opportunity for adults, including indigenous people and adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, to participate in Rugby League. Volunteers contribute by maintaining the grounds, providing essential refereeing and training services for players and organising recreational events for local individuals and families. The Club provides residents of many ages and abilities with opportunities to interact socially while benefitting from a healthy and active lifestyle.
Stanthorpe Sports Association Inc – $4960
Caters for children of many ages and abilities in the rural area of Stanthorpe. Volunteers maintain sports facilities, organise competitive activities and visit local schools and community groups to promote sporting activities. The Association and its devoted volunteers help to foster a more inclusive and integrated community by encouraging values of teamwork and self-discipline through participation in team sports.
Stanthorpe United Soccer Club Inc – $4750
Stanthorpe United Soccer Club is a community-based sporting organisation that aims to promote the benefits of soccer and encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Volunteers coordinate competitions that cater for players of all ages and abilities, and ensure a safe and supportive environment in which players can develop important life skills. The Club encourages community participation and provides regular social contact for players and their families.
Stanthorpe Futsal Club – $5000
Aims to promote the benefits of futsal and encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Volunteers coordinate competitions that cater for players of all ages and abilities, and ensure a safe and supportive environment in which participants can develop their abilities. The Club encourages community participation and provides regular social contact for players and their families.
Stanthorpe Indoor Netball Club – $4700
Offers community members of many ages and abilities the chance to develop teamwork, discipline and cooperation skills through participation in the sport of netball. Volunteers undertake numerous activities to benefit the Club and region, such as records management, coaching players and organising competitive and recreational events. As a focal point of the community, the Club encourages social inclusion for participants, volunteers and families.
Queensland CWA Wallangarra Branch – $5000
Immersed in the community, creating support networks and an enduring sense of local identity, the dedicated volunteers improve the welfare of women and their families by assisting them to access local educational, medical, transport and social services. The efforts of the Association help to transform localities into communities defined by mutual respect and social inclusion.
Wallangarra Rams Rugby League Club – $5000
Aims to promote the benefits of rugby league and encourage active lifestyles. Volunteers coordinate competitions that cater for players of all ages and abilities and provide a safe and supportive environment in which players can develop important life skills. The Club encourages community participation and provides regular social contact for players and their families.
Diggers Cricket Club Incorporated – $4218
Unites cricket players of all ages and abilities for competition, fitness and social interaction. Volunteers foster a culture of dedication and engagement by managing finances, organising recreational events that involve friends and families and teaching new players skills and techniques. The Club brings together families on match days to support the teams, creating an environment that encourages competition, active lifestyles and friendship
Warwick Salvation Army Emergency Services – $3750
Enhance community safety and wellbeing by assisting during emergencies that affect residents, local property and the environment. Volunteers work alongside the Rural Fire Brigade and State Emergency Service to deliver nutritious meals to personnel, helping to ensure an effective and efficient emergency response. The Services bring community members together through a mutual interest in protecting their community and environment.
The Warwick and District Historical Society Inc – $2069
Provides a wide range of activities and services to residents and visitors to the region. Volunteers coordinate educational events that bring community members together and stimulate an interest in the history of the area and its people. This service enables the Society to build social inclusion and community integration through an appreciation of mutual heritage
Total Health and Education Foundation – $3395
The Total Health and Education Foundation provides educational and health programs to the community. Volunteers organise activities for the community such as family days and multicultural focused football games, and provide workshops and seminars to community members. The Foundation encourages community involvement in social and educational activities that promote social inclusion and involvement.
Warwick & District Junior Rugby League Inc – $5000
Offers children and young people the chance to develop personal and athletic skills through participation in the sport of rugby league. Volunteers undertake numerous activities to benefit the Club and region, such as maintaining the grounds, coaching players and organising recreational and competitive sporting events. As a focal point in the community, the Club encourages social inclusion for players and volunteers.
Warwick Combined Probus Club Inc – $1499
Provides older and retired community members with opportunities to form social bonds and remain intellectually active. Volunteers engage with older individuals from all walks of life, including those at risk of isolation, by organising excursions, informative guest speakers and transport for frail and house-bound community members. The Club promotes social inclusion by enabling older individuals to develop valuable support networks and to remain connected members of the community.
Warwick Cricket Association Incorporated – $4727
A welcoming environment for community members to play cricket, regardless of background or ability. The Association’s administration, canteen and grounds maintenance are handled by a team of committed volunteers who promote an inclusive culture for new and longstanding community members. Through a mutual interest in the sport of cricket, local residents connect as volunteers, players and friends to develop strong community bonds.
Warwick Pistol Club Incorporated – $4900
An avenue for integration and participation in the multicultural Warwick area. Volunteers provide training to participants and host regular regional and state events, uniting enthusiasts from across the state. The Club encourages community participation, including from school aged children, and maintains a safe environment for pursuit of target range interests.
Yangan and District Progress Association Inc – $2753
Focused on the continued development of the local community and its resources, volunteers engage the community to discuss local issues and collaborate on plans to address them. The volunteers’ hard work creates a strong community identity and ensures the region will remain an attractive place to live and visit.
