Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, announced that almost 2,700 community organisations would benefit from a grant to support the work of volunteers. The Walcha Quota group along with other volunteers in the New England Electorate are among nearly 100,000 volunteers across Australia benefiting from $10 million in Australian Government grants to support community organisations.

“We applied for a number of things which will make it easier for us to get our projects done,” said assistant secretary Lyn Smith.

The group will receive $4,975 dollars to purchase a computer publishing program, an outdoor loudspeaker system, office supplies, garden and landscaping equipment and bespoke book trolleys.

“The loudspeaker will be helpful for our Quota Market Day, the landscaping equipment will help us to maintain Quota Park and the publishing program will help with administration,” Mrs Smith said.

“The book trolleys are to help us move the 10,000 books we deal with each year at our annual book fair and they need to be made as there is nothing we can buy which will do the job.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Turnbull/Joyce Government’s investment in our communities is delivering vital support to the New England Electorate’s small community organisations, which help many of our most vulnerable citizens.

“The Volunteer Grants will assist 50 local groups in the New England Electorate including the Ashford District Pony Club, the Tingha Citizens Association Incorporated, the Kootingal Moonbi Meals on Wheels and the Emmaville/Deepwater Swimming Club and many more,” Mr Joyce said

“The grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 enable local organisations to better support their volunteers by purchasing much-needed equipment, training and transport,” Mr Joyce said.

“The energy, expertise and time our volunteers give to our community supports those most in need and represents what Australian communities are all about – giving a helping hand.

“I’m glad to see that our local organisations will have this support to continue their valuable work.”