In recent months, Frontier Services has been listening closely to what rising fuel costs and supply uncertainty mean for people in the bush. We have also heard what they mean for the volunteers who travel long distances to support them.

Through Outback Links, volunteers give their time, skills and care to people living in some of Australia’s most isolated places. They help with practical jobs on properties, around homes and in communities. Often, they also cover the cost of getting there.

That generosity is part of what makes Outback Links so powerful. But as fuel prices continue to place pressure on household budgets, travel costs can become a real barrier.

To help more volunteers continue reaching the people who need support, Frontier Services is introducing a temporary fuel contribution for eligible Outback Links placements.

The contribution is designed to ease some of the cost of return travel from a volunteer’s home to their placement. It is not a full reimbursement, but a practical step to make volunteering more accessible during a period of increased pressure.

In most cases, support will be provided as fuel vouchers. The amount will be calculated using a standard distance-based model, with volunteers able to speak directly with their Volunteer Coordinator about how it applies to their travel.

For some volunteers, this contribution may help make a placement possible. For others, it may simply make the decision to go a little easier.

Frontier Services National Director Rob Floyd said the temporary support reflects the practical realities of volunteering across long distances.

“Our volunteers already give so much. We don’t want fuel costs to be the reason someone is unable to take up a placement, especially when the need across rural and remote communities remains so clear.”

The temporary fuel contributions are only possible because of the generosity of Frontier Services supporters. Their donations help ensure volunteers can continue showing up where support is needed most.