THE Nationals' NSW Senator, Sandy Macdonald, has welcomed the announcement of funding for New England organisations through the Australian Government's Volunteer Small Equipment Grants program.

"Just over $23,000 has been awarded to 18 community volunteer organisations to assist with purchasing equipment to help make volunteer's jobs easier," Senator Macdonald said.

"The grants are used to buy items such as chainsaws, microwave ovens, and hand held radios," he said.

"This has been an incredibly successful program and I am pleased so many organisations could receive funding. Demand for the grants far outweighed the funding available through the current round."

Senator Macdonald said these grants not only provide valuable assistance to community organisations but also recognise the importance of volunteers.

"Volunteers are everyday community members who give up their time for a local organisation, whether it be for the rural fire service, sporting groups or family.

This latest round of funding is the seventh time the Australian Government has committed its financial support directly to volunteers, bringing the total funding to over $29 million, distributed to approximately 13,600 community organisations Australia wide.

"The Australian Government remains committed to supporting the important work volunteers do for the Australian community," Senator Macdonald said.

Successful applicants in New England include:

n $653 for Inverell HQ Rural Fire Service to purchase eskies and a portable weather meter;

n $2492 for Delungra Golf Club Inc to purchase a push mower, chainsaw and brush-cutter;

n $1954 for Woolomin Duncans Creek Rural Fire Brigade to purchase a fridge/freezer, eskies and shelving;

n $1155 Bolivia Progress Association to purchase portable evaporative air coolers, fan forced heaters, food processors and a microwave;

n $1772 for Armidale Urban Rivercare group to purchase safety helmets, chainsaw and chain and wire rope slings;

n $1442 to Armidale Athletic Club Inc to purchase an electric line marker;

n $1631 for Kentucky Public School P&C Association to purchase kitchen utensils, cool boxes, containers, shade shelter and barbecue; and

n $1387 for Harnham Brigade RFS, Uralla for a fridge and hand held radios.

© 2005 Inverell Times

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