Member for Spence Matt Burnell acknowledges and recognises the efforts of volunteers and community organisations, today announcing that 16 organisations in Spence will receive grants of up to $5,000.

Through the $10 million 2023-24 Volunteer Grant Round, community organisations across Australia will receive funding to buy small equipment for volunteers or reimburse their fuel, transport, or training costs.

The 16 Spence organisations received a total funding amount of $60,224, and will be shared amongst the following:

• Elizabeth Life Saving
• Streetlight Community
• Gawler and Districts Softball Association
• Gawler Parish
• Dalkeith Country Fire Service
• Angle Vale Cricket Club
• Penfield Model Engineers Society Inc
• Playford Aquatic Club
• Karbeethan Sporting Association
• Salisbury and District Historical Society Inc
• Cressy Bowman Incorporated
• Gawler Community House
• WAPID Swim Inc
• Gawler Little Athletics Centre Inc
• Salisbury Bowling Club
• Gawler Uniting Church

During Volunteers Week (May 20-26), Mr Burnell will be hosting a barbecue at Apex Park on Monday May 20, starting at 5pm to congratulate those successful.

Mr Burnell said this funding boost is welcomed in the North, as it will provide greater support for local volunteers and ensure they can continue to support their community.

“Our community is built off of the hard work of dedicated volunteers, from those that give up their time to the Country Fire Service (CFS), Meals on Wheels and sporting clubs, to name a few,” Mr Burnell said.

“These grants ensure that we are supporting our volunteers and their organisations to continue to provide the essential services to our community.

“At the end of the day, we want volunteers to know that we are backing them and will continue to support their work in assisting our community.”

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, highlighted the critical role volunteers play in local Australian communities, especially as many Australians continue to face cost of living pressures.

“Volunteers play a vital role in many different ways, whether it be helping out in times of disaster or crisis, supporting the most vulnerable people in our community, or assisting with community events”, said Minister Rishworth.

“These grants will allow many community organisations to better support the efforts of their volunteers, with this Grant Round to make a positive impact on the wider volunteering sector.

“A strong volunteering sector is a reflection of our combined efforts to foster community connections, promote change, and enrich our society.”

More information about Australian Government grants is available on the GrantsConnect website.