with Susan Templeman MP Federal Member for Macquarie

Volunteer organisations support our community in a myriad of ways, so I’ m pleased that the latest round of Volunteer Grants has provided grant amounts from $ 1000 to $ 5000 to support 21 of those organisations across the Hawkesbury region.

Food support services have been key recipients of this funding, to make things easier for the volunteers who step up to provide hot meals, groceries, and toiletries as well as a friendly face for a chat and a cup of tea.

Hawkesbury’ s Helping Hands has received $ 5000, Hawkesbury Community Kitchen has received $ 2000, Hawkesbury Colo Meals on Wheels has received $ 2000, and The Jeremiah Project and The Living Room have each received $ 1000. These

funds will be used to make volunteering easier by upgrading essential equipment ranging from a computer to shelving units.

Our Community Services organisations have also been able to access this funding to assist with the volunteer programs they run.

Bligh Park Community Services Inc and Pink Finss have both received $ 2000, while Merana Aboriginal Community Association, Richmond Community Services Inc and Hawkesbury Community Outreach Services Inc have each received $ 1500.

Local sporting clubs have also been beneficiaries, including Glossodia Cricket Club, Pitt Town Football Club, Wilberforce Cricket Club and Hawkesbury Baseball Club.

They’ ll use the funding for things like a mobile phone or ipad for their canteen sales and scoring matches, or first aid

training for their coaches, managers and referees.

Animal Welfare League($ 1000) and Mountains for Wildlife($ 1325) have also received funds to support their activities, as has Hawkesbury Woodcraft and Colo Shire Family History Group. So this funding has been spread across many types of not for profit groups.

What these clubs and organisations have in common is their commitment to supporting our community with activities and services that enrich our lives.

As I make my visits to see the items they’ ve purchased, I’ m enjoying the opportunity to speak with people face to face about their volunteering, and to hear about the sense of purpose and positivity that many people get from the time they so generously give.

If you don’ t have capacity to volunteer, there are plenty of ways to give.

This Christmas, donations for the Salvation Army via the Kmart Wishing Tree can be dropped into the collection box in the foyer of my office in Windsor during business hours, Monday to Friday.

Gifts don’ t need to have been purchased at Kmart, and please do not gift wrap them. This year, they are especially hoping for gifts for teenagers and gifts to help families connect and share special moments. Some gift ideas include sporting games, board games, educational toys, backpacks or arts and crafts.

My office is located at 299 George Street Windsor and is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday to drop off your gifts.

Finally, a special shout out to all those people who keep working over the festive season, whether in our retail stores, small businesses, or our health workers and emergency services. We appreciate you, and we thank you.