Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging disability self-help groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to increase the independence and community participation of people with disabilities.

 
“Grant funding is provided for a variety of practical purposes including general expenses, running costs, and minor works or equipment,” Ms Bull said.
 
“There are several criteria for funding, and goals for groups can include increasing the capacity of people with a disability to live independently in their own community.
 
“Also, increasing opportunities for self-help groups to provide information and education on the experiences of people with a disability,” he said.
 
Mr Bull said the Disability Self Help Grants provide self-help groups with a great opportunity to access funding to support their members’ activities.
 
“Self-help groups that focus on supporting their members to participate in their own community and make informed decisions about their lives will be given priority for grants,” Mr Bull said.
 
“The grants are allocated for a two-year period 2015–16 and 2016–17, which means groups don’t have to go through the application process every year,” she said.
 
In addition, Mr Bull said groups that have previously been successful in obtaining grants of less than $5,000 per annum do not have to itemise their proposed expenditure in their applications.
 
Applications are now open and close on Wednesday 21 October 2015.
 
Guidelines and application forms are available on the Department of Health & Human services web site:  www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disabilityselfhelp
 
Groups that require assistance to complete the application form should contact the Community Inclusion Unit on (03) 9096 9747.