Australian freight rail operator Aurizon has announced the latest recipients of its bi-annual Community Giving Fund, which sees 22 charities and community groups receive between $1,000 and $20,000 in cash grants.
Aurizon’s managing director and CEO Andrew Harding said the Giving Fund aims to support important community projects in areas where the company operates.
“In this round, we are proud to support 22 very worthwhile projects in the regions where our people live and work,” Harding said.
“The grants will provide an extra boost for projects that charities and community groups are undertaking in the areas of education, community safety, environment and health and wellbeing.”
Among the groups that received grants were Meals on Wheels Rockhampton, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, The Leukemia Foundation Australia, the Moranbah Netball Association, and the Riding for the Disabled association.
To be eligible, groups must be non-profit organisations that hold an approved deductible gift recipient (DGR) status charity (Item 1) from the Australian Tax Office, and have projects affecting areas in which Aurizon operates.
In the previous round, Sarina Landcare Management Association was awarded a grant to rehabilitate and stabilise a local creek banks in the south of Mackay after it suffered significant damage from flood waters.
Aurizon employees also helped plant saplings along the creek.
“A group of employees from Jilalan and Mackay pitched in to support the community tree planting day,” Harding said.
“As locals themselves, they were enthusiastic about providing their physical labour and having the opportunity to work alongside other community members to assist with this conservation project.”