Perhaps some of the very experienced pilots could run mentoring programs or something?
The restrictions apply to the PIC, but I don't see why low-time pilots could not conduct the flights as PIC under supervision of an experienced pilot. It certainly lowers the available payload, but might be away to enable the well intentioned volunteers to continue their good deeds.
Unfortunately it also demonstrates how little the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development cares about-
- infrastructure - if the government cared more about infrastructure outside capital cities, there would be far less need for such flights;
- transport - if Australia cared more about aviation they would seek to foster such flights;
- regional development - unless it is a marginal seat on the city fringe, it is "fly-over" (at FL350 in business class) territory for politicians.