Twenty five community organisations across Gilmore will benefit from the Australian Government's $9.85 million 2025-26 Volunteer Grants round, helping support the volunteers who strengthen local communities every day.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she was pleased to support the local groups with grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to support their volunteers.
“These grants can really help our local sporting, cultural and community groups to deliver training for volunteers, cover transport costs and improve accessibility,” she said.
“Grants can be used for practical expenses such as IT and communication equipment, screening checks and insurance, which are crucial, but can quickly add up for groups that have a limited budget.
“Across the Gilmore electorate, 25 organisations will share in $66,665 to help out volunteers who give their time and expertise to assist others and make out communities stronger.
“Whether that’s coaching a kids’ netball team, helping seniors use technology or entertaining us on the stage, volunteers really are the beating heart of our communities.”
EUROBODALLA
Seven Eurobodalla organisations will share in more than $17,000 to ensure volunteers can continue their important work in the community.
Repurposing for Resilience Eurobodalla, located at the Moruya Waste Transfer Station, will receive $4,000 to help with insurance costs.
The Eurobodalla Chamber Orchestra will receive $3,150 to purchase a laptop and printer to store and print their music scores, and also to help with insurance costs.
The Arts Council of Eurobodalla will benefit from $1,500 to install high-speed internet connection and EuRocApella will receive $1,610 for audio-visual equipment and website software. U3A Batemans Bay will also receive $3,956 to set up a new membership management system.
In sport, the Euro Coast Triathlon Club will receive $1,896 to support volunteer coaches to sustain the Women’s Community Triathlon programs, and the Moruya Tuross Netball Club will update its aging equipment thanks to a $1,000 federal boost.
SHOALHAVEN
Twelve organisations across the Shoalhaven will share in more than $28,000 to assist local volunteers.
The Murramarang Community Garden will receive $1,310 to provide play equipment in the garden for local children to enjoy.
The Nowra-Bomaderry Jets Rugby League Club will score $3,500 for new equipment, while the Nowra Waterdragons Dragonboat and Outrigger Canoe Club will use a $1,937 grant for communications and on-water safety initiatives.
The Shoalhaven Netball Association will use a $2,000 grant to purchase the Great Coach Netball app, the Bay and Basin Community Nippers will receive $3,000 for new paddle boards and St Georges Basin Touch Association will gain $3,500 to help set up the new junior touch competition.
The Sussex Inlet Dementia Friends Group will receive $1,000 for books and to reimburse volunteers for expenses.
When it comes to entertainment, four groups in the Shoalhaven have received a boost, including the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival which will use its $2,000 grant to build a website to promote the event and showcase the works of local Indigenous filmmakers and those from around Australia.
The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra will receive $3,000 to purchase scores for its Play and Stay Positive concert, the Shoalhaven City Concert Band will score $2,120 to help with insurance costs, and the Milton District Band’s $3,000 grant will be used to purchase new percussion instruments with the aim of attracting new members.
The Sussex Inlet Foundation for Community Development Inc will receive $2,486 to ensure volunteers have the resources needed to support people living with dementia and their carers.
KIAMA
Six organisations will share in more than $20,000 to help volunteers continue their important work across the Kiama community.
Kiama & District Historical Society will receive $1,600 for insurance and to cover costs for members to visit the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
While five sporting clubs will get a financial boost to volunteers and players.
Gerringong Breakers Football Club will score $3,600 for a canteen upgrade and the Kiama Rugby Football Club will gain $3,500 for volunteer training.
The Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club will receive $4000 for insurance, Kiama Junior and Minor Rugby League Football Club will receive $4000 to update its iPads, and the Kiama Netball Association will use its $4,000 grant for digital equipment and umpire training.
Mrs Phillips said the grants would “help break down the barriers to volunteering and deliver significant benefits for individuals and communities alike”.
“By backing the organisations that rely on volunteers, we are helping more people participate in their communities, and ensuring volunteers can continue making a difference where it is needed most,” she added.
Recognising the importance of our nations volunteers, the Albanese Labor Government has invested over $91 million into strengthening the volunteer sector to ensure it can continue to thrive.
More information on Volunteer Grants is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips at Repurposing for Resilience Eurobodalla which has received a $4,000 Volunteer Grant.
