9 January 2008
EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT FUND APPLICATIONS INVITED
Attorney-General Robert McClelland was pleased to announce today that applications for the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund in 2008/09 are now invited.
“Volunteer support funding is intended to assist organisations to develop recruitment, retention and training initiatives,” Mr McClelland said.
“The Rudd Government recognises that emergency volunteers give so freely of their time to protect the lives and property of others.”
Eligible volunteer emergency management organisations nationwide are encouraged to apply. Applications for funding through the initiative will close on 7 March 2008.
“Since the introduction of the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund, 595 projects have been funded to a total value of $15.3 million.”
“I am particularly pleased to see the level of response by volunteer groups.”
“There are up to 500,000 people in emergency response and recovery activities across the nation who can utilise the fund to prepare their pool of willing people for a whole range of possible emergencies.”
The National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund is administered by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), a Division of the Attorney-General’s Department.
Details of the program, including guidelines and application forms can be found on the EMA website www.ema.gov.au/communityengagement.
Media Contacts:
Chris Wagner, Attorney-General’s Office 0419 480 224
Alastair Wilson, EMA Media Liaison 0408 606 462