Gladstone Region Drought Appeal continues to raise vital funds
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and a The Salvation Army representative today met to provide an update on the Gladstone Regional Drought Appeal (GRDA), which has raised almost $30,000 to date.
Launched in late November to assist drought-affected primary producers in the Gladstone Region, the GRDA has so far raised $28,659.25 thanks to the generous donations of the community, both privately and at Council-run events throughout the summer, and businesses donations.
Council-run events included the Christmas Street Party, Santos GLNG Mayor’s Carols, New Year's Eve and Australia Day events and the Super Rugby pre-season game played in Gladstone on 14 January between the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels.
The Super Rugby game was particularly successful with $15,621.75 raised from both ticket sales and tin donations on the day.
The match was well attended with 1235 spectators in attendance as the Reds defeated the Rebels 57-5.
Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) will also host a Family Movie Night fundraiser on 21 March with those funds to be added to the GRDA.
The appeal will end on 29 February, but monies raised from the GEA Family Movie Night will still be accepted.
The Salvation Army will facilitate the distribution of funds from the GRDA with those details to be finalised prior to the end of the appeal.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett thanked the generosity of the Gladstone Region community and the businesses who contributed, plus The Salvation Army for their ongoing support for people doing it tough in our community.
Business who have donated to the appeal include Boyne Smelters Limited, Rio Tinto Yarwun, Queensland Alumina Limited, Santos GLNG, Orica Australia, GTC Financial, Cook Medical and other industries.
“There’s been a fantastic response to Gladstone Region Drought Appeal and on behalf of Council I’d like to sincerely thank those who have donated so far,” Councillor Burnett said.
“Whether it was placing spare change in the donation tins at Council-run events or generous donations of the region’s businesses, all money raised will help our valued primary producers.
“Recent rain has been well received but hasn’t broken the drought by any means.
“While the grass is greener and tanks are fuller, the Gladstone Region is still drought declared and has been since 1 May last year so careful conservation of water needs to continue.”
The Salvation Army’s Gladstone Corps Officer, Captain Chris Ford thanked Cr Burnett and Gladstone Regional Council for instigating the GRDA.
“Partnering with like-minded organisations like Gladstone Regional Council always results in great outcomes for the community in the Gladstone Region,” Capt. Ford said.
“There is always something special seeing The Salvation Army and Gladstone Regional Council coming together to support the community.
“Whether it be fires, floods, cyclones or drought, we will always try our best to ensure people are supported whether that be financially, with material needs and mental health support.
“We hope that our farming friends will be able to see they are valued and that we stand by them and will do our best to support them in this time of need.
“When people give to the Gladstone Region Drought Appeal, they can be assured that 100 per cent of all money received will be given to the communities in the drought regions of Gladstone.”
People can still donate to the Gladstone Region Drought Appeal via:
- Council’s website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/drought-appeal
- At any Westpac Bank branch
- BSB: 032 006
- Account No.: 810633
- Acc. Name: The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
- Reference: GRC Drought Appeal.
See Also
