The Central Coast Rural Fire Service (RFS), based at Charmhaven, and Capes4Kids at Booker Bay have received a financial boost from Australia Post grants.
The People of Post grants are awarded to non-profit groups nominated by local Australia Post employees, many of whom are active in their local communities.
The NSW RFS Central Coast Communication Brigade will receive $1,000 to purchase a field weather station for use during fire incidents to capture real-time data for analysis and response.
This tool measures weather features such temperature, relative humidity and wind speed which is relayed directly to the Fire Behaviour Analyst in the State Operations Centre.
RFS District Manager, Superintendent Viki Campbell, said the weather station would be part of equipment carried on an Operational Communications Vehicle deployed during bushfires to assist with communications in remote areas as well as recording localised weather to formulate strategy and tactics in combatting bushfires.
Capes4Kids Australia at Booker Bay will receive $1,000 to purchase sewing supplies to support volunteers to up-cycle and handcraft superhero bravery capes which will be given to children to wear while in hospital.
These groups are among 47 across NSW to receive grants this year, mostly in rural and regional communities, to support a huge range of projects such as horse blankets for Riding for the Disabled, Thai musical instruments for a cultural group, to replace soccer balls lost in Lismore’s recent floods, and to fund workshops and supports for vulnerable groups.
Australia Post Head of Community, Nicky Tracey, said the People of Post grants take a grassroots approach, with employees encouraged to offer a nomination based on their own personal connection to a local organisation.
“These grants give us an opportunity to support what matters to our team members, and to help them to help others in their local community,” she said.
“We are delighted that so many of our people around Australia were keen to make a difference and nominate an organisation close to their heart for a grant.”
Australia Post will also launch its 2022 Community Grants program in June, with organisations able to apply for funding for projects that support mental health and wellbeing in local communities.
Sue Murray