Twenty-one not-for-profit organisations that rely on volunteers in the Parkes electorate are set to benefit from the 2024-2025 Volunteer Grants Round.
Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said volunteers played a vital role in regional Australia, providing a huge range of services and facilities.
“Without volunteers, our communities would not enjoy the lifestyle and sporting choices they do now,” Mr Chaffey said.
“I’m very pleased to announce that a total of about $60,000 will be awarded to 21 organisations within the Parkes electorate through the 2024-5 Volunteer Grants Round. I know these funds will help with groups as diverse as VRA Rescue NSW through to the Australian Breastfeeding Association and the Garah Boomi Pony Club.”
VRA Rescue NSW secretary and dog handler Tom Millar said the $1000 in funding received by the organisation would go towards an iPad that would allow a searcher to be tracked from the base.
“When a dog and handler are out in the field, they are often in really difficult terrain,” Mr Millar said. “With an iPad back at the base, we can track the searcher and if they get lost, we can contact them.”
VRA Rescue NSW is based in Dubbo but uses specially trained dogs to search for missing people across New South Wales.
The list of successful organisations in the Parkes electorate is:
- Australian Breastfeeding Association Western Region Dubbo Group
- Moree & District Historical Society Incorporated
- St John Ambulance Australia (NSW)
- VRA Rescue NSW Limited
- Baradine Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League
- Lightning Ridge Community Radio Association Incorporated
- Broken Hill Military Museum Incorporated
- Mendooran P.A.& H Association Inc
- Country Women’s Association of New South Wales
- Dubbo Support Center Inc
- Garah Boomi Pony Club Inc
- Baradine PA & H Association Inc
- Cobar Athletic and Triathlon Squad Incorporated
- Tooraweenah P. A. and H. Association Inc
- Dubbo and District Parent Support Group for Deaf / Hearing Impaired Incorporated
- Gunnedah Meals on Wheels Association Incorporated
- Landcare Broken Hill Incorporated
- Menindee Charities Incorporated
- Country Women’s Association of New South Wales
- Nosh Narrabri Incorporated
- Warren Performing Arts and Language Place Incorporated.
Caption: VRA Rescue NSW secretary and dog handler Tom Millar at the scene of a search with his dog Tammy.