Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured with members of the Coolah District Development Group, which received a $2,000 grant.
Thirty-one organisations in the Parkes electorate will benefit from funding to support local volunteers under the Australian Government’s 2023-24 Volunteer Grants program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today announced a total of $66,225 in funding has been approved for 31 volunteer groups in the Parkes electorate.
“Congratulations to each of the successful groups who have received a much-needed funding boost,” Mr Coulton said.
“I know many of our local organisations have been struggling during the current cost-of-living crisis as fewer people have the capacity to donate, while their own bills continue to rise.
“These grants will help ease some of that pressure and help our community groups to invest in projects that will enable them to continue the great work they do in communities across the Parkes electorate.
“Our volunteer groups make such a valuable contribution to our towns and it’s all thanks to the selfless volunteers who generously give their time, efforts, talents and skills for the betterment of our communities.
“Volunteering has a strong presence throughout the Parkes electorate, whether it be helping out with local sporting teams and land care groups, responding to natural disasters or other emergencies, or helping local charities support some of our most disadvantaged people.
“I look forward to seeing the ways in which this funding will boost volunteer efforts across the electorate.”
The Volunteer Grants program provides organisations with grants of between $1,0000 and $5,000 to purchase small equipment items, contribute towards the cost of training courses and background checks, and to help reimburse volunteers for the cost of their fuel or transport.
These grants come just ahead of National Volunteer Week which runs between 20 and 26 May 2024.
Parkes electorate Volunteer Grants recipients for 2023-24:
| Organisation | Funding |
| ORISCON (Dubbo) | $4,000.00 |
| Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association | $1,900.00 |
| St Vincent De Paul Society NSW (Coonamble) | $1,000.00 |
| National Association of Loss and Grief (Dubbo) | $1,100.00 |
| West Darling Machinery Preservation Society BH Inc. (Broken Hill) | $2,700.00 |
| Warren Meals On Wheels Incorporated | $1,000.00 |
| 1st Narrabri West Scouts | $1,000.00 |
| Coonabarabran Golf Club | $1,000.00 |
| Dubbo Ultimate Frisbee Federation Inc | $3,000.00 |
| St John Ambulance NSW (Broken Hill) | $3,500.00 |
| Dubbo Touch Association Incorporated | $2,200.00 |
| Gunnedah Meals On Wheels | $1,000.00 |
| Gunnedah Rural Museum | $1,500.00 |
| VRA Rescue NSW Search Dogs (Dubbo) | $4,000.00 |
| Gunnedah Catholic Schools P&F Association | $2,000.00 |
| Orana Physical Culture Incorporated (Dubbo) | $1,000.00 |
| Gunnedah and District Pony Club | $5,000.00 |
| Narrabri Meals On Wheels | $2,000.00 |
| Australian Breastfeeding Association Dubbo Group | $1,000.00 |
| Anglican Parish of Narromine – Diocese of Bathurst | $1,500.00 |
| Condobolin Picnic Race Club Inc | $2,000.00 |
| Wanaaring P&C Association | $1,900.00 |
| West Darling Fishing Club Incorporated (Menindee) | $3,200.00 |
| Trangie Central School P&C Association | $1,400.00 |
| West Broken Hill Football Club | $2,240.00 |
| Neighbourhood Watch NSW (Warialda) | $2,005.00 |
| Coolah District Development Group Incorporated | $2,000.00 |
| Broken Hill North Public School P&C Association | $3,000.00 |
| Can Assist Nyngan | $1,580.00 |
| Tottenham Horse Sports and Gymkhana Club Incorporated | $4,500.00 |
| Tottenham Pony Club | $1,000.00 |
| TOTAL | $66,225 |
