RACQ Foundation: Before and after view of flood impact on sporting clubs
Nearly one year on from the devastating February floods, we showcase the determination and community spirit of these Queensland sporting clubs, community groups and charities impacted by the destructive flood waters.
RACQ Foundation approved grants to 84 groups worth more than $2.5 million specifically in response to the 2022 flooding disaster – and it’s because of our members that we’re able to make a difference.
South Brisbane District Cricket Club
A team of RACQ Foundation volunteers visited South Brisbane District Cricket Club and helped restore the grounds. The Club also received an RACQ Foundation grant to help pay for the removal of flood-damaged sight screen structures and the replacement of two mobile sight screens.
“During the floods, the water came up and above our clubhouse and about three quarters of the way up the sight screen. The fields and the fence were under water, and the shed and nets were damaged. It was a big effort to get back up and running and Souths can’t thank the RACQ Foundation enough,” said South Brisbane District Cricket Club Vice President Alex Robynson.
Before 
After Brisbane Dog Training Club
Brisbane Dog Training Club is a not-for-profit organisation in Oxley which has been helping owners train their pets since 1961. The 2022 February floods caused two metres of water to cover the training grounds and inundate its clubhouse, damaging the kitchen, cabinetry, toilet facilities, seating and other equipment. RACQ Foundation volunteers helped clean and restore the Club's facilities, while an RACQ Foundation grant will go towards rebuilding its clubhouse and replacing damaged appliances.
Before 
After Brisbane Basketball Association
Brisbane Basketball Incorporated (BBI) clubhouse, playing courts, offices and amenities at Auchenflower were badly damaged when the site was inundated in the February disaster. The sporting club was helped by RACQ volunteers rolling up their sleeves to replace the flooring, as well as through an RACQ Foundation grant to replace the destroyed courts, amenities, canteen and equipment.
“We were flooded in 2011 and were lucky RACQ Foundation was there to help us with financial support, and so, 11 years later, to have RACQ Foundation still supporting local communities, including us, is something that’s so beneficial and we’re very grateful,” said BBI General Manager Hamish Cain.
Before 
After Sandgate Golf Club
Sandgate Golf Club received a $14,000 RACQ Foundation grant to install flood mitigation measures after it was inundated during the 2022 floods.
“Through this generous funding, we’ve been able to buy a sump pump, drainage materials and contract experts to upgrade the drainage systems in place at our golf course and we’re now planning to rebuild our clubhouse and are confident these mitigation works will make us much more resilient to future flooding,” Treasurer Simon Andersen said.
Before 
After Western District Netball Association
Western District Netball Association (WDNA) has been part of the Brisbane community since 1974 and has about 2,500 members. It had water over its courts as well as inside the lower level of the administration building and two sheds housing sporting and maintenance equipment. RACQ volunteers helped clean and restore the site. The Club also received funding from RACQ Foundation for repairs to its buildings.
“We reached out to the RACQ Foundation for assistance and we’re very grateful to have this support, both financially, and in the way of labour. It has really assisted us in our flood recovery and getting us back up on our feet without it impacting too heavily on our members,” WDNA President Paula Sale said.
Before 
After Maryborough West Football Club
Maryborough West Football Club was inundated by more than a metre of water during the floods and lost its canteen, fridges and electrical equipment. The Club was given a cheque for $40,000 from RACQ Foundation to refurbish the fields, shed and clubhouse as well as replacing the equipment that was damaged in flooding.
“This really brings hope and keeps clubs, like us, on their feet, so it’s really appreciated,” Maryborough West President Hans Karner said.
Before 
After If you are a Queensland sporting club, charity or community group that's been impacted by severe weather events, apply for an RACQ Foundation Community Grant today.