Almost $3,700 in donations collected during Council's two most recent free green waste disposal periods will assist Australian veterans and their families.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning today presented $3,695.30 to Far North Queensland Legacy.
Residents taking advantage of Council's free green waste disposal periods in February and May were encouraged to make a voluntary gold coin donation to support the organisation.
Founded in 1923, Legacy provides social, emotional, developmental, and financial support to the families of Australia's veterans.
This year also marks 90 years since the establishment of Legacy in the Far North, with all funds raised in 2023 to go towards establishing a Legacy House in FNQ, which will support families of veterans who have been affected by the loss of their spouse as well as for veterans transitioning back into the community following their deployment.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said FNQ Legacy was an organisation very close to his heart.
"I know many veterans and their loved ones who have benefited from good work Legacy undertakes," Cr Manning said.
"The community has certainly shown their support for this organisation – the total donations received equate to the fifth highest since we started collecting charity donations in April 2017."
Far North Queensland Legacy President, Mal McCullough, thanked the community for their support.
'We appreciate the public support of FNQ Legacy when placing a gold coin in the tin when dropping off their green waste," he said.
"These donations will directly contribute to FNQ Legacy's mission to establish Legacy House, a purpose-built facility in Cairns from which they will deliver vital support and services to the families of our deceased or incapacitated veterans in order to help them rebuild their lives.
"FNQ Legacy also acknowledges the professional and friendly staff of Cairns Regional Council, who were onsite to assist residents during the drop-off period.
"Their expertise and dedication ensured a smooth and efficient process, making it convenient for residents to dispose of their green waste responsibility."
"We would like to thank the Council for this opportunity to be beneficiaries of this initiative, that not only promotes sustainable waste management but also allowed us to raise vital funds towards the Legacy House project, that will enable us to continue our important work in supporting our veterans' families."
Voluntary donations, from 12,000 vehicles, were collected at the gate of each of Cairns Regional Council's waste transfer stations during the free green waste drop-off from 18 to 26 February and 20 to 28 May. Portsmith transfer station topped the donation tally with $1,645.30 dropped into the tin over the two periods. Babinda produced the highest rate of donations per person with an average of $1.10 donated per vehicle.
