Aurizon, Australia's largest rail freight operator made $100,000 available to local charities and community groups through an extraordinary round of its Community Giving Fund following the devasting flooding in North Queensland earlier this year.
General Manager of Aurizon's Bulk East business, Sarah Dixon said Aurizon was delighted to support twelve different charities and community groups in the region that are helping to get the community back on its feet.
"Aurizon is a local business with a major presence across North Queensland and employees living and working in Townsville, Hughenden, Cloncurry and Mount Isa. We understand the lasting impact of the floods on local communities and that recovery efforts will be going on for a long time," she said.
"Some of the grants will be used to help repair property that was destroyed or damaged in the floods. For example, we are supporting BlazeAid's Cloncurry Base Camp so they can purchase steel fence posts and wiring for their volunteers to use in constructing rural fencing for impacted farmers.
"The grant will also help purchase the fuel to move material and machinery, as well as to buy volunteer meals," said Ms Dixon.
"There are also charities providing important services that had equipment damaged in the floods, so we've been able to support them to purchase new equipment.
"Pacific Rim Just for Kids delivers health and wellbeing programs for isolated youth in need. The portable generator they use to support their program delivery in remote locations was destroyed in the floods, so we've funded its replacement.
"Supporting charities and community groups and the important work they do is something we are proud of at Aurizon.
"Many people in my team live in these impacted communities, and we're really pleased to support some of these smaller grass-roots initiatives that may not get funding elsewhere.
"Thank you to everyone who applied for funding during this round. It's always encouraging reading about the worthwhile projects being undertaken across the impacted communities.
"The normal round of our Community Giving Fund opens in May, so I would encourage charities and community groups to keep an eye out for our announcement and apply."
