The Morrison Liberal National Government will provide a funding injection of just under $63,000 to 19 local community groups and organisations in the electorate of Dawson to support the work of local volunteers.

Eight Mackay organisations, three in Whitsundays, three in South Townsville, three in Burdekin and two in Bowen will receive grants to support the work of their volunteers.

This funding will be used to train our lifesavers, provide air-conditioning for St Vinnie’s Family Support Centre, assist Meals on Wheels volunteers and provide first aid training for those assisting children with disabilities.

While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is not unrecognised. 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.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.

“Many of our people and communities across the country have had a very difficult year and we are now living through a global pandemic,” Minister Ruston said.

“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.”

Dawson group recipients are:

Mackay:

• St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland - $5000 to upgrade air-conditioning in the Mackay Family Support Centre offices and waiting area

• Carltons Senior Rugby League Football Club - $4910 for portable shade shelters and first aid equipment

• Eimeo SLSC – $4740 for iPads to deliver training programs

• Mackay SLSC – $2500 for computers and laptops to deliver training programs

• All Abilities Mackay – $4000 for first aid training for volunteers\

• Apostolic Church of Qld – $2000 for a defibrillator at their hall

• Mackay Meals on Wheels – $5000 to assist with fuel costs for volunteers

• Slade Point Rugby Club – $5000 for a ride on mower

Whitsundays:

• Proserpine Meals on Wheels - $2000 to contribute to fuel costs for volunteers

• Proserpine Historical Museum – $1720 to upgrade computer software

• Whitsunday Probus Club – $1070 for a computer and software

South Townsville:

• Cungulla Men’s Shed – $1800 for assistance with fuel costs

• Wulguru Girl Guides – $3070 for laptop and computer software

• St Vincent de Paul – $2000 to assist with fuel costs for volunteers

Burdekin:

• Brandon Bowls Club - $4500 for a stove and kitchen equipment

• Burdekin Wood Crafts Association – $4490 for woodcraft equipment

• Home Hill Golf Club – $2000 for power tools and other equipment

Bowen:

• Bowen Meals on Wheels - $2650 to contribute to fuel costs for volunteers

• Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League – $4500 for shade shelters

The funding injection coincides with National Volunteer Week being celebrated this week.

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

The awarded grants are between $1,000 and $5,000. National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting the Volunteering Australia website.