Western Plains non-profits are among 31 volunteer groups approved for thousands of dollars under the federal government's Volunteer Grants Program. 

Federal Parkes MP Mark Coulton announced on 6 May that Orana organizations received from $1000 to $2000, including Can Assist Nyngan, Condobolin Picnic Race Club, Coonabaranbran Golf Club and St Vincent De Paul Society in Coonamble. 

The $66,000 grant pool for the Parkes electorate gave up to $5000 per organisation to buy small equipment items and pay towards training courses and background checks, as well as help reimburse volunteers for fuel and transport costs.  

Can Assist Nyngan, which formed in 2012 to support Bogan Shire locals undertaking cancer treatment, got $1580 to buy a microphone and speaker system. 

President Lyn Webster said having their own sound equipment will take stress out of organising fundraising events.   

"We have functions on where we need a microphone system. So, we've always had to borrow from different organisations, which is not a good thing," Ms Webster said. 

"People do loan you the things, but, you know, you're always worried that there may be damage caused. 

"We have a High Tea, where we have like 110 people in a hall, once a year. So, that will come in very handy. We have fashion parades."  

Can Assist Nyngan volies celebrate the group's ten-year anniversary in 2022. They formed in 2012 and formally became a branch of the charity in 2014. Image: Supplied

The non-profit has between thirty to forty volunteers and provides financial help for travel, accommodation and medical bills. 

"It could be food vouchers. Whatever the people need, to a certain extent we're here to assist them," Ms Webster said. 

The historic Condolbolin Picnic Race Club got $2000 to buy some marquees for volunteers to shade under during their annual race day.  

Secretary Joy Gibson said she hopes the purchase will attract more volunteers. 

"Hopefully we might get a few more, because it's very hot in February on race day," Ms Gibson said. 

"It'll just make it more comfortable for them to work around. 

"Our race club could use it if we help out other clubs." 

Federal MP for Parkes congratulated organisation who received the grants.  

“I know many of our local organisations have been struggling during the current cost-of-living crisis as fewer people have the capacity to donate, while their own bills continue to rise," Mr Coulton said. 

“These grants will help ease some of that pressure and help our community groups to invest in projects that will enable them to continue the great work they do in communities across the Parkes electorate. 

“Our volunteer groups make such a valuable contribution to our towns and it’s all thanks to the selfless volunteers who generously give their time, efforts, talents and skills for the betterment of our communities." 

Organisations which were nominated by Mr Coulton as their local MP were invited to apply for a grant in November 2023. 



Other groups in the western plains to receive volunteer grants were Society of St Vincent de Paul (Coonamble), Warren Meals on Wheels, Coonabarabran Golf Club, and the Anglican Parish of Narromine.