Local charities receive a boost from Aurizon
Aurizon, Australia's largest rail-based transport business, has announced the 31 successful recipients of its latest round of the Community Giving Fund. The Fund, which is part of Aurizon's ongoing commitment to supporting and engaging with local communities, provides grants in the areas of education, community safety, environment and health and wellbeing.
Andrew Harding, Aurizon Managing Director & CEO, stated that this round of funding will benefit local projects across the Company's vast area of operations, including Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support and engage with these regional communities where more than 80% of our employees reside and work," said Andrew.
"Our Community Giving Fund is one of the ways we give back to our communities and make a positive impact on the lives of those who live there.
"Local charities in the areas where Aurizon operates will receive a boost in their efforts to serve their communities, thanks to Aurizon grants of up to $20,000.
"For example, in the Northern Territory we are supporting Corrugated Iron Youth Arts Inc. by funding the facilitation of six workshops, designed to address risk-taking behaviour amongst Indigenous youth through a combination of physical activities and storytelling. These workshops will be delivered to young people from the Binjari, Rockhole, and Myalli Brumby communities just outside of Katherine.
"In Queensland we are supporting the Rural Health Management Services Pty Ltd. by funding the purchase of IT equipment to establish a telehealth program at Hughenden Doctors' Surgery. This will enable community members to attend telehealth appointments, eliminating the need to travel, in some cases, hundreds of kilometres.
"In New South Wales we are supporting NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc. by funding the construction of a shed with an attached cage for the rehabilitation and short-term care of wombats. These wombats are brought to the Centre by volunteers and members of the public and require care before being released back into the wild.
"In South Australia we are supporting Koala Kids Back Packs Inc. by funding the purchase of book packs for distribution to children through local childcare centres and schools in the Adelaide region. The book packs will contain basic reading, numeracy, phonics, shapes and colour books to support early learning.
"In Western Australia we are supporting South West Women's Health & Information Centre Inc. by funding the purchase of plants, equipment and signage to establish a community garden at Milligan House. The garden will showcase cultural art and language from local Noongar women. Students from Eaton Community College will participate in the project, bringing the garden to life."
A list of all the latest Community Giving Fund recipients and their projects in your region is available here.
Background
Aurizon's Community Giving Fund distributes funds bi-annually and provides grants of up to $20,000. More than 600 charities and not-for-profit groups across Australia have received grants since the Fund was established in 2011.
The next round of applications for the Community Giving Fund will open in March 2024.
