MOREE and District Historical Society and Garah Boomi Pony Club are two of 21 not-for-profit organisations in the Parkes Electorate to benefit from a round of funding through the 2024-2025 Volunteer Grants.
Regionally, Nosh Narrabri and Gunnedah Meals on Wheels also received funding.
The program targets not-for-profits that rely on volunteers all year-round, with Moree Plains Museum to receive $3400.
Moree and District Historical Society president Neville Campbell said the grant would be used to help cover annual running and maintenance expenses.
“We successfully applied for the grant to help us offset some of our operational expenses,” Mr Campbell said.
“One of our main costs is the annual inspection of the lift, which comes in at around $1700, so this grant will help cover that expense, which is a great help.
“As an organisation run entirely by volunteers, we are forever grateful for this financial assistance, which was facilitated by our local member, Jamie Chaffey,” he said.
Garah Boomi Pony Club president Andrew Brown is honoured to receive funding through the 2024–25 Volunteer Grant program.
“Our club feels incredibly grateful to have been recognised and selected for this assistance, especially as we approach our 2025 Camp Week,” Mr Brown said.
“We have had a year where many of our usual fundraising opportunities have unfortunately been impacted by wet weather and event cancellations.
“This grant comes at a crucial time, helping to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our club and the opportunities we can continue to provide to our members, our young riders and the wider community,” he said.
Moree and District Historical Society president Neville Campbell at Moree Plains Museum.
Funding will be directed towards infrastructure improvements and insurance expenses, both of which are essential to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for riders, volunteers, and families.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Chaffey for his advocacy and support of local volunteer organisations, and to the grant program for recognising the important role grassroots clubs like ours play in building strong, connected communities,” Mr Brown said.
Mr 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, based in Dubbo, is a leading volunteer-based organisation dedicated to providing emergency rescue services throughout New South Wales and will receive $1000.
New South Wales secretary and dog handler Tom Millar said the grant will 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.”
The list of successful organisations in the Parkes electorate includes Moree and District Historical Society, Garah Boomi Pony Club, Australian Breastfeeding Association Western Region Dubbo Group; St John Ambulance Australia; Baradine Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League; Lightning Ridge Community Radio Association Incorporated; Broken Hill Military Museum Incorporated; Mendooran PA&H Association; Country Women’s Association of New South Wales; Dubbo Support Centre; Baradine PA&H Association, Cobar Athletic and Triathlon Squad Incorporated; Tooraweenah PA&H Association; Dubbo and District Parent Support Group for Deaf and 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; and Warren Performing Arts and Language Place Incorporated.
