Aurizon to provide cash grants for community projects

Aurizon, Australia's largest rail freight operator, is inviting community groups and charities located across the Company's operations to apply for cash grants of up to $20,000 through the latest round of its Community Giving Fund.

Andrew Harding, Managing Director & CEO said eligible charities and not-for-profit groups have until 30 April 2021 to apply for these cash grants.

"We are seeking applications from local charities that are undertaking projects contributing to Community Safety, Health & Wellbeing, Education or the Environment," said Mr Harding.

"We are a company with operations spanning areas across Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. With over 80% of our employees working and living in regional communities, it is important that we play a strong role in supporting the communities in those areas. We do this by providing grants to assist a range of community initiatives, reaching out to those locally who need it the most and are delivering meaningful projects in our regional communities.

"This is the 10-year anniversary of the commencement of our Community Giving Fund and since then we have proudly supported more than 400 very worthwhile projects across our communities."

One of the recent recipients of an Aurizon grant was Foodbank Western Australia (FBWA) which is providing emergency food relief hampers to vulnerable Indigenous families in the regional town of Mullewa, where unemployment and lack of transport has impacted access to affordable food. Aurizon has a large presence in this region of Western Australia, moving bulk trains of iron ore product for its customers to the Port of Geraldton.