Christmas comes early for local community groups

Aurizon, Australia's largest rail-based transport business, is bringing Christmas early to 22 local community groups through its Community Giving Fund.

Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding said the Company's Community Giving Fund enables Aurizon and its people to give back to the communities in which they live and work.

"We are proud to support the valuable work local charities and not-for-profit groups undertake in the communities in which we operate," Mr Harding said.

"With more than 70% of our employees living and working in rural and regional communities, it is particularly important to us that we invest in the communities that support our people and their families.

"This round of our Community Giving Fund will provide much needed funds for a range of local initiatives and projects aimed at improving education, safety, environment and health and wellbeing. These include, for example, support services for our youth, rural fire brigade services, community environment programs and Indigenous youth education programs."

Aurizon has provided grants to almost 400 charities and not-for-profit groups across Australia since it was first introduced eight years ago.

A list of the latest Community Giving Fund recipients is available on Aurizon's website.