NSW supports volunteers with Unsung Heroes grants for local government

19 December 2022

The NSW Government has today opened a new grant program for local governments that will recognise and encourage volunteering.

The $500,000 Unsung Heroes – Innovation in Volunteering Grants for Local Government have now opened for applications. Councils can apply for funding for initiatives between $50,000 and $100,000.

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the grants program will not just recognise and support the special role of volunteers but also encourage more people to participate.

“Whether they are on the sports field, in the foodbank, patrolling the beach, or deploying to an emergency, volunteers are the heartbeat of every community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“NSW is the best place to live and work in the world, and this is thanks to the selfless efforts of almost 5 million volunteers who contribute more than 1.5 billion hours of their time each year.

“While the last few years have been difficult, they have highlighted the critical role volunteers play in connecting communities and always offering a helping hand for people in need.”

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the Unsung Heroes grants builds on the existing NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program.

“Every one appreciates the sacrifice volunteers make, so these grants are yet another way the Liberal and National Government can demonstrate our commitment to recognising the sacrifices they make,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“These grants for councils will enable them to show their appreciation for local Unsung Heros, promoting and recognising the work they do. 

“Every volunteer who takes time away from their own busy lives to help others deserves recognition and support, and these grants are designed to help provide that.”

More information on the grants is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/social-cohesion-grants-round-2