Sutherland Shire Council has extended its support to local not-for-profit service organisations and charities to further their efforts to support shire residents hit hardest by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The council will make $80,000 in grant funding available to local service organisations to enable them to deliver targeted support to some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Local organisations are ebing encouraged to apply for one-off COVID-19 Community Services Response Grants of up to $10,000.
Shire mayor Steve Simpson said he was proud of the council's efforts to support the invaluable work being carried out by the local not-for-profit sector.
"Throughout this pandemic, council has sought to help all sectors of our community who have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 virus and the lockdown measures which have been introduced to combat its spread," Cr Simpson said.
"We have got behind our business sector by suspending a number of fees and charges that would ordinarily be levied against local businesses, and boosted our trades sector by providing financial support to homeowners looking to undertake renovations, among many other initiatives.
"With the introduction of the COVID-19 Community Services Response Grant scheme, council is hoping to enhance the ability of the many excellent service organisations that operate in our community to reach those who are most critically in need."
The council will support local service organisations to provide emergency food and care packages to residents experiencing hardship.
The support is expected to focus on organisations that provide emergency support and have experienced an increase in demand as a result of the pandemic.
"We are lucky enough to be home to some extraordinary community service organisations here in the Sutherland Shire, which work tirelessly to support vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community," Cr Simpson said.
"Through this initiative, council will support these organisations to boost their ability to reach those in our community who are doing it tough with essential supplies to help keep them going as they get back on their feet.
"I want to thank all those who work or volunteer for the many excellent service organisations we have here in the Sutherland Shire, and say how proud I am of your efforts to help our community through the immense challenges of this pandemic.
"I urge these organisations to step forward and submit an application for this grant funding so as you can continue with the amazing work that you do in our community."
For further details or to submit an application, visit: sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants/COVID-19-Community-Services-Response-Grant.
