A Dubbo-based not-for-profit organisation has been recognised for its work delivering food and care hampers to community members in the region during the height of Dubbo’s COVID outbreak, one of 34 groups across NSW to receive funding through the government’s COVID Regional Community Support program.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Orana Support Service will receive $21,000 to recoup costs incurred when preparing and distributing food, essential items and relief packs during the lockdown.
“Orana Support Service wasn’t the only group that went above and beyond to help isolated residents during lockdown, but it did distribute 5260 hampers and relief packs – the fourth highest number of any organisation in regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said.
“This financial assistance will help to cover some of the costs incurred, including fuel, couriers and logistics expenses.”
Orana Support Service partnered with Dubbo Regional Council staff at the Creo Café to turn donated food items into delicious meals, which OSS then distributed among the region’s vulnerable.
“On behalf of the Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine communities, I want to thank all the volunteers and staff for stepping up and helping their fellow residents when they needed it most.”
Applications are currently being accepted for grants of up to $50,000 for capacity building initiatives, such as attracting and retaining volunteers and staff, enhancing governance skills, building digital capacity and creating partnerships that foster stronger, more resilient communities.
For more information, visit: https://frrr.org.au/ResNSW-Covid-Support.