Sophie and urges local volunteer organisations to apply for bushfire relief grants

16-February-2009

Federal Liberal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella MP today urged local community volunteer organisations providing help and assistance to local residents and families in fire affected communities to apply for bushfire relief grants.

Mrs Mirabella has singled out the Victorian Volunteer Small Grant ($5000) and the Emergency Volunteer Support Grant ($20,000) as vital and essential forms of Bushfire relief that local volunteer groups should begin applying for.

“As a nation we have grieved at the horror that unfolded in the recent weeks in Victoria and I am very pleased that the valuable work of volunteers has been recognised,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“I urge local non-for-profit groups who are providing volunteers to work in fire affected communities in recent weeks to contact my office on 1300 131 791 for assistance with the application process.”

“Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of our community in rural and regional Australia and I am so proud and thankful for the work so many volunteer groups have performed throughout this tragic and testing time and these grants go to ensuring their continued support,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Our local volunteer organisations have displayed the human spirit of Australians over and over again throughout these terrible events.”

“These grants are about providing assistance to the volunteer groups so they can continue to provide vital help to fire affected local communities,” Mrs Mirabella said.

Local volunteer community groups who are providing volunteers to work in fire affected communities are urged to contact Mrs Mirabella’s office on 1300 131 791 for any assistance with their application.