A re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government will invest an additional $4.3 million into the community sector, to continue to provide the support and foundations needed to build strong and resilient communities.

We want Tasmanians to be supported, wherever they live, and this investment will help to build stronger communities and Secure Tasmania’s Future.

There are more than 60 Men’s Sheds now registered across Tasmania, playing an incredibly important role in providing a safe outlet for men to meet, share information and stay connected to their community.

We will increase funding to the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association’s grants program to $175,000 per year over the next three years, and extend eligibility criteria to include wellbeing initiatives to support the health of members so they can help and support each other.

We will introduce Tasmania’s first Carers Recognition legislation and provide funding for a new Carers Week community grants program of $60,000. The legislation will bring Tasmania into line with other states – not only to formally recognise the thousands of carers in our communities, but to also promote and value the importance of care relationships.

We will also provide $300,000 to Volunteering Tasmania over three years to build a Youth Volunteer Army, with the establishment of a trial program based on the successful New Zealand program, to help bridge the age gap in our volunteers.

There will be $125,000 in funding to enable COTA to commence consultation on the review of our Active Ageing Strategy 2017-2022, as well as finalise the current strategy’s actions.

Over three years, we will invest $315,000 into programs that encourage young Tasmanians to participate, including Youth Week Grants to be delivered by YNOT and the Young Leaders of Tasmania program, as well as funding for the Tasmanian Bike Collective.

We will also invest $210,000 into our LGBTIQ+ Grants over three years to support community organisations to increase acceptance of diversity, access to services and participation for LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians.

These initiatives are in addition to other community-related announcements already made, including the extension of our School Lunch pilot and support for migrants.

Building stronger communities builds a stronger Tasmania, and community organisations are at the heart of our local communities across Tasmania.

A re-elected majority Liberal Government will work with the people and organisations that help underpin the wellbeing of our communities and Tasmania as a whole.

The policy is available here.