The ACT Neighbourhood Watch Association is amongst 124 in the ACT who will receive funding form the Australian Government’s 2009 Volunteer Grants initiative.
Senator of the ACT, Kate Lundy welcomed the 124 local volunteer organisations receiving Australian Government support.
“The Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants provide valuable support to organisations that keep Canberra’s community together,” Senator Lundy said.
“A number of local non-profit organisations rely on grants like these to keep their operations going.
“These Volunteer Grants will be used to purchase practical and tangible small equipment items to assist their volunteers, and contribute towards reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by volunteers in their volunteering work.
ACT Neighbourhood Watch Association is a community based crime prevention program that represents a partnership approach to community policing. This program builds links between the police and local residents, improving personal, household and community security. The group encourages interaction between neighbours, which helps reduce social isolation and improve personal safety
“Every day volunteers are out in our local community working tirelessly to build community pride and to give a helping hand to the elderly, the sick and those who have hit hard times.
Under this initiative, grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are provided to non-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering.
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs said, “Volunteers are the backbone of so many of our community groups and the non profit sector.”
“The Government values the enormous contribution volunteers make across Australia and this funding will ease the financial pressure on non-profit organisations and volunteers.”
The complete list of successful ACT organisations is listed on the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website at www.fahcsia.gov.au.
Further information about the Volunteer grants initiative is available from the website or by calling the Hotline on 1800 183 374.
Media contact: Annika Hutchins (Senator Lundy) 0407 458 882 or (02) 6230 0411 (Office)
