Jamie Chaffey announces Parkes volunteer grants and calls for award age change

Jamie Chaffey, the Federal Member for Parkes, has announced that 42 organisations within the electorate have been awarded 2025-26 Volunteer Grants. A total of $62,966 is being distributed to various groups, including scout groups, football clubs, and swimming clubs, to support volunteer-run activities and equipment.

In a separate matter, Mr. Chaffey has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to request that the National Australia Day Council lower the age eligibility for the Young Australian of the Year award. The proposal follows the efforts of 12-year-old Dusty Langby, who walked 540 kilometres from Warren to Canberra to raise funds for Little Wings. Langby’s ‘Dollar for Dusty’ campaign raised over $500,000, which the Albanese Government has agreed to match, alongside an additional $1 million to sustain the service that provides medical flights for sick children in regional areas.