Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, today congratulated a group led by Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia (ADRA) on receiving a $149,800 research grant.

Mr Henskens said the Emergency Volunteer Support Scheme, a joint Commonwealth- State Government program, assists organisations with the recruitment costs, retention and training of volunteers working in emergency services.

“Our emergency services volunteers are often the first people that we turn to when we are at our weakest. We are now supporting them so that they can further train and expand their volunteer base,” Mr Henskens said.

“ADRA, together with the Salvation Army and Anglicare, will use this funding to employ an International expert in the area of emergency management volunteers, Dr Judy Esmond, to research and develop practical tools and checklists to better help attract, recruit and retain faith-based volunteers.”

“These organisations have a grass roots structure,” Mr Henskens noted, “which can be employed to assist quickly with emergency responses.”

Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Troy Grant MP, said that the NSW Government continues to deliver for local communities.

“These volunteers are an indispensable part of our emergency management system. Their work to protect lives and properties cannot be over-appreciated,” Mr Grant said.

“Lending a hand and volunteering is part of being an Australian. I encourage anyone interested in volunteering at Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia to reach out and contact them.”

Kevin Munro can be contacted at Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia on 1300 237 236.

[Pictured are, from left to right, Norm Archer (Salvation Army), Kevin Munro (ADRA), Alister Henskens SC MP and Mark Webster (CEO, ADRA)]