2007-08 Successful Grant Recipients announced for the Local Grant Scheme and the National Emergency Volunteer Fund

EMA has announced details of 423 projects, valued at well over $13.8 million to be funded in 2007/08 through the Local Grants Scheme (LGS) and National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF).

The two programs were developed in September 2004 as part of the Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative which recognised the need to develop self-reliance at both the community and local government levels. The initiative provides funding to support local governments, communities and volunteer organisations to develop strategies to improve community safety and to improve recruitment, retention and training for volunteers involved in emergency management.

Each state and territory convened a Selection Committee to prioritise all applications for funding received from local government areas, indigenous communities and volunteer agencies within the jurisdiction. This ensured that only those projects that were consistent with the emergency management priorities of the state or territory were successful.

The projects supported in 2007/08 provide a balance across rural and urban areas, and offer assistance to remote communities, indigenous communities and capital cities taking account of the risks and vulnerabilities facing people living in those communities. The successful projects provide assistance to the full range of volunteer organisations active in the emergency management sector and support their endeavours to build safer sustainable communities.

The funding allocated to local governments and volunteer emergency management agencies will assist them to further develop their capability to undertake their responsibilities.

2007/08 is the final year of funding through the Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative. The Australian Government is currently considering options for possible replacement programs and any such programs will be promoted widely, including through this website, after a decision is made.

Information about the successful grant recipients, reporting obligations for all grant recipients (including former year projects) and details of State or Territory Contact Officers, is available here.

In December 2007, it is expected that EMA will be able to announce details of the follow-on program to the successful Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative.

Return to Working Together to Manage Emergencies home page