Twenty local organisations have secured grants of up to $5000 to assist the work of volunteers and encourage new volunteers to community organisations.

Inverell Macintyre Lions Club was one organisation to be awarded a grant, with $4900 to be spent on new refrigeration and cooking equipment for the club’s caravan, which is a regular sight at local charity events and festivals. 

It also helps the club generate vital fundraising dollars for Lions projects in the community.

Inverell and District Soccer Association secured more than $2600 to assist with volunteer-led coaching programs, which will grow youth soccer skills.

Soccer association president Anthony Alliston said the funds will be a springboard for increasing numbers of young soccer players. 

He said the funding wouldalso  ease the burden on the club’s volunteers, who often have to bring their own sports equipment from home.

“We will be purchasing equipment to help some of our younger members train and learn the basics of soccer,” Anthony said.

“Our club is one of the largest in northern NSW and this will allow us to expand our programs further.”

Sapphire City Motor Sports Club will now be looking to purchase equipment to maintain their home base at Graman with their $5000 grant, to avoid transporting the likes of mowers and brush-cutters to and from the venue for monthly working bees. 

The club’s membership has recently grown to almost 50, with additional membership predicted for the ensuing 12 months.

Inverell Shire Council assisted a range of local community groups with applications for funding .

Council mayor Paul Harmon commended the successful organisations and said the injection of funds will drive a range of community-led projects in the Shire.