This week marks National Volunteer Week and local community groups in Whitlam will benefit from $61,230 of federal funding to support local volunteers across Australia.

Across the Illawarra 12 projects will share in $34 000.

The grants awarded are between $1,000 and $5,000, and will enable organisations across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands to better support their volunteers to purchase small equipment, pay fuel, transport and training costs.

Local grants include Burrawang Fire Station which received $4490 for new IT equipment, Warrior Barrack Point Surf Lifesaving Club receiving $4,000 for training and a defibrillator and the Illawarra Light Rail being granted $4,300 in funding for first aid training and a new defibrillator.

Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones, said this funding will go a long way in supporting organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.

“Our community has had a tough year with a horror bushfires season and the ongoing challenge of the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will go a long way to support volunteers to continue their important work in the community in these challenging times.”

Volunteers are an integral part of our society, especially when times are tough. On behalf of our community I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our volunteers. Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience,” Jones said.

National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May and is run by Volunteering Australia. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting the Volunteering Australia www.volunteeringaustralia.org/update-on-national-volunteer-week-2020/#/.