Close to $30,000 in federal grants will flow to Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island-based volunteer organisations. 

The funds have been awarded through the 2019/2020 Round of Volunteer Grants and were announced during National Volunteer Week, which ran from 18-24 May.

Federal MP Rebekha Sharkie has welcomed the news that her electorate of Mayo would receive funding of nearly $64,000.

This round allocates funding to 38 community groups including CFS brigades, sporting clubs, community associations, a cancer support group and a wildlife sanctuary.

“The grants will fund a range of projects including first aid training, safety signage, public address systems, computer software and even eskies to keep drinks cool in a CFS truck,” Rebekha says.

Of the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island-based recipients, the largest grant - $5000 - was allocated to Encounter Centre in Victor Harbor, a community-based charity whose volunteers help run a variety of activities, mainly for those living with disability.

The next biggest grant - $3,000 - went to Rapid Bay & Districts CFS Brigade.

“We had enormous interest in the 2019/2020 round and, like other grant rounds, I nominated a committee of community leaders to shortlist the many expressions of interest lodged with my office," Rebekha says.

“The feedback I received from the committee was that the projects put forward were practical and supported the work of volunteers.

“Given the horrendous fire danger season we have experienced this summer, there was an emphasis on supporting our CFS firefighters so I was pleased to note that 15 brigades submitted successful applications.

“Mayo has one of the highest rates of volunteering in the nation with 29 per cent of us donating our time to help the community compared to the national average of around 19 per cent.

“We are a resilient and cohesive community and our volunteering ethic is part of the fabric of what makes our region such a wonderful place to live and work."

The Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island grant recipients were:

Aldinga Sharks Soccer Club $1,500

Goolwa Community Centre $1,000

Aspire To Inspire Together Pty Ltd $1,000

Encounter Centre Incorporated $5,000

Fleurieu Cancer Support Foundation $1,650

Judith's Legacy $1,000

Kangarilla Progress Association Incorporated $1,000

Penneshaw CFS Brigade $2,500

Kingscote Country Fire Service $1,180

Blewitt Springs CFS Brigade $1,000

Milang & District Historical Society $1,000

Mount Compass CFS $1,000

Openlight TocH Youth Camp $1,000

Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club $1,600

Southern Agricultural Society $1,070

Rapid Bay & Districts CFS Brigade $3,000

Strathalbyn Woodcraft Group $1,200

Yankalilla Rapid Bay & Myponga Agricultural & Horticultural Society $1,000

Waitpinga CFS Brigade $1,000

Wisanger CFS Brigade $1,000