From museums to RSLs, rescue groups to CWAs, and pony clubs to volunteer radio stations, more than 20 community groups in the region were recently announced as recipients of grants from the 2024-5 Volunteer Grants Round.

In one example, VRA Rescue NSW Secretary and dog handler Tom Millar said their $1000 grant would go towards an iPad that would allow a searcher to be tracked from their base.

VRA Rescue NSW is based in Dubbo, but uses specially trained dogs to search for missing people across NSW.

“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,” he added.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey added that volunteers played a vital role in regional Australia, providing a huge range of services and facilities. He announced that a total of about $60,000 was awarded to 21 organisations within the Parkes electorate through the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants Round.

“Without volunteers, our communities would not enjoy the lifestyle and sporting choices they do now,” Mr Chaffey said. “I’m very pleased. 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,” he added.

The list of successful organisations in the Parkes electorate is:

• Australian Breastfeeding Association Western Region Dubbo Group

• Moree & District Historical Society Incorporated

• St John Ambulance Australia (NSW)

• VRA Rescue NSW Limited

• Baradine Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League

• Lightning Ridge Community Radio Association Incorporated

• Broken Hill Military Museum Incorporated

• Mendooran PA & H Association Inc

• Country Women's Association of NSW

• Dubbo Support Centre Inc

• Garah Boomi Pony Club Inc

• Baradine PA & H Association Inc

• Cobar Athletic and Triathlon Squad Incorporated

• Tooraweenah PA & H Association Inc

• Dubbo and District Parent Support Group for Deaf/Hearing Impaired Incorporated

• Gunnedah Meals on Wheels Association Incorporated

• Landcare Broken Hill Incorporated

• Menindee Charities Incorporated

• Country Women's Association of NSW

• Nosh Narrabri Incorporated

• Warren Performing Arts and Language Place Incorporated.