Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is encouraging local community groups to apply for grants of up to $5000 to assist the work of their volunteers.

Mr Taylor said the funding was being provided under a $10 million Volunteer Grant funding round, announced by the Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter.

“This is an opportunity for the many great community groups in Hume to apply for a grant of between $1000 and $5000 to support the important work of their volunteers,” Mr Taylor said.

“These grants can be used by groups for anything that helps with costs incurred by their volunteers, such as first aid training, background security checks or transport for volunteers who may have a disability.

“Community groups can also purchase much-needed equipment, such as iPads or printers, so they can keep pace with technology.”

Nationally, 5282 groups benefitted from these grants last year – including 33 from Hume who shared in more than $111,000 in funding.

Among them were Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard in Camden Inc. (29 volunteers) which received $4950 for help with fuel costs, first aid safety and heating/cooling; and Marulan & District Historical Society (43 volunteers) which received $2100 for audio/video equipment.

In the Hume electorate, sporting clubs, historical societies, men’s sheds, scouting groups, SES units, P&C associations and even a beekeeping club were successful in obtaining grants through the last round.

Applications for Volunteer Grants close 20 December 2016. For further information go to https://www.dss.gov.au/grants

Alternatively, contact the Volunteer Grants 2016 Hotline on freecall 1800 020 283 or email grants@dss.gov.au