RACQ celebrates its 20th community assistance project
Almost 50 RACQ Foundation volunteers have rolled up their sleeves to support rural Queensland towns Blackall and Jericho, helping to build resilience in the drought and flood-affected communities.
The two-week initiative, in collaboration with Drought Angels, was the RACQ Foundation’s 20th Community Assistance Project across Queensland.
The project included a range of farming work to support 10 drought and flood-affected stations, volunteering and prizes to help deliver the annual ‘Better in Blackall Festival’ and assisting the Jericho Men’s Shed with developing a new community garden.
Coinciding with the community work, the RACQ education team also delivered road safety programs within the local schools in Charleville, Morven, Tambo and Blackall.
RACQ Foundation Manager Bridgette Muller said the Community Assistance Projects were established to provide practical on-the-ground support to Queenslanders impacted by natural disasters.
“Since the launch of our assistance program in 2016, we have proudly helped 44 community groups and 137 family-owned farms or stations affected by severe weather events across Queensland,” Ms Muller said.
“In FY23 alone, we travelled to far north Queensland to carry out repairs and upgrades to facilities in the Aboriginal community of Yarrabah, spent time in Texas and Goondiwindi completing farming and community work, and worked with the Gympie community to help complete revegetation and flood resilience activity.
“We have now completed our 20th Community Assistance Project, providing support to the local communities in Blackall and Jericho who suffered more than nine years of drought, before enduring a flood in 2022.
“After a week of physical farming and gardening work, we then had the privilege of seeing the town come to life through the community-led ‘Better in Blackall Festival’. We thank both Blackall and Jericho for welcoming us into your communities.
“The importance of the work we do in regional Queensland extends beyond the fences we build, the buildings we repair and farm equipment we fix. It’s a core part of strengthening our connection to communities and making a difference.”
As part of the Club’s continued commitment to helping Queenslanders impacted by natural disaster, the RACQ Foundation also has a Community Grant Program, which is open now for community groups to apply.
“Through our Community Grant Program, we help Queensland community organisations and clubs recover from severe weather events and build natural disaster resilience for the future,” Ms Muller said.
“Since launching in 2011, the Foundation has distributed $14 million to assist more than 400 Queensland community groups affected by natural disaster and drought.
“If your community group needs support, you can visit our website to apply for a grant. The current round of applications is open until Monday, 2 October 2023.”
Apply for an RACQ Foundation Community Grant here: RACQ Foundation | RACQ