Federal funding boost for community groups

It’s been a tough year for community groups and sporting clubs across the Moreton Bay Region, but a Federal funding boost aims to make things a bit easier.

In supporting the work of volunteers, during National Volunteer Week, the government has announced grants for 19 community groups and organisations in the Petrie electorate.

Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston says the funding will go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a difficult 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 explains.

“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.”

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth says he’s pleased to have secured $65,000 for his electorate and its volunteer groups.

Community groups to benefit

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

Why this is important

“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is not unrecognised,” Mr Howarth says.

“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 says 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,” he says.

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

Meet some local volunteers making a difference. Head to our blog.

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