Staff members from ANU and UC will donate their time to help Queanbeyan residents affected by last summer’s bushfires complete their paperwork in time to gain access to financial aid from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund.

The volunteers will work with community groups across the electorate of Eden-Monaro, after a request from its federal member Kristy McBain who called on the universities to help those working furiously towards the 28 January deadline.

Ms McBain said the fund has $250 million in funding to support the social and economic recovery of bushfire-affected communities.

“I have heard from many community groups and individuals that the application process is onerous and difficult to navigate,” she said.

“In order to assist community groups, I wrote to the Australian National University, University of Wollongong and the University of Canberra late last year to see if they could assist with the grant writing process in a voluntary capacity.

“I’m delighted to say that many staff members have offered their support for free.

“As we enter a new year, it’s humbling to know that people are still thinking of our community and how they can help,” Ms McBain said.

Community groups seeking support are encouraged to contact Kristy McBain’s office to be put in touch with one of the volunteers.

“Thank you to the university staff who are willing to donate their time and expertise to assist our community,” she said.

Can contact [email protected]

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