THE Volunteer Grants Activity is an element of the Families and Communities Program.

The Families and Communities Program aims to strengthen relationships, improve well-being of children and young people, reduce the cost of family breakdown, strengthen family and community functioning and facilitate the settlement of migrants and humanitarian entrants in the community.

The grants provide small amounts of money that organisations and community groups can use to help their volunteers. The grants form part of the Government's work to support the volunteers who help disadvantaged Australian communities and encourage inclusion of vulnerable people in community life.

The Australian Government has announced a total of $20 million for the Volunteer Grants 2018 round.

Eligible organisations and eligible individuals representing volunteer based community groups can apply for funding amounts of between $1000 and $5000.

This funding is to be used to:

purchase eligible small equipment items for use by volunteers;

contribute to volunteers' fuel costs;

contribute to transport costs for volunteers with disability who are unable to drive;

assist with the costs of training courses; and

undertake background screening checks for volunteers.

BMXers helping farmers

THE Ipswich BMX Club are joining the Fiver for a Farmer cause.

Club officials will be donating $5 from every licensed rider who nominates in their Friday night racing.

They will also have a donation box set up for those not racing.

The club run a fully stocked canteen so why not make a night of it and get down to the Willey Park BMX track to watch the action and help raise money for our farmers.

Well done Ipswich BMX.

Oz Tag info

IPSWICH Oz Tag are having an information night where you can come and ask questions and find out about the upcoming season of junior oz tag.

They will also have shorts and tights for purchase.

The info night will be held from 4.30 to 6pm on Wednesday, September 5, at the Tivoli Sporting Complex (Church st, Tivoli).

For more information go to www.ipswichoztag.com