Disaster hit community groups encouraged to apply for grants

News
Queensland community groups affected by a severe weather event have been urged to apply for an RACQ Foundation grant, with the latest funding round closing soon.
RACQ Foundation at South Brisbane District Cricket Club

RACQ Foundation spokesperson Emma Green said charities, community groups and sporting clubs across the State could apply for funding of up to $50,000, or up to $100,000 in exceptional circumstances, to help them recover from cyclones, floods, bushfires and drought.

“Community organisations are the backbone of regional towns, and when they’re struggling, the whole community suffers,” Ms Green said.

“The devastation caused by natural disasters, both financially and emotionally, can be long lasting, and funding through the RACQ Foundation is one of the ways we help communities recover.”

Community groups are still rebuilding more than seven months on from the devastating south east Queensland floods.

Since the disaster, RACQ Foundation has pledged $2.1 million to assist those affected to pay for rebuilding costs and the replacement equipment and amenities.

 Toorbul Pony Club

The Toorbul Pony Club received funding to replace a flood-damaged ride-on-mower to maintain the more than four hectares of grounds.

Toorbul Pony Club volunteer Pennie Eckel said the support from RACQ had not only helped with repairs but had lifted the spirit of the club.

“Being a small club run by volunteers, maintenance of the grounds is critical for us to run our events keeping riders and horses safe,” Ms Eckel said.

“As many of our members went under in the February floods it was overwhelming for the club to also be impacted as it is a happy place for our members and horses.

“Thanks to RACQ Foundation, morale is back to an all-time high. We’re very proud to show off our little club and it has created optimism for the members that are still not back in their houses.”

Jindalee Bowls Club 

Jindalee Bowls Club received funding to purchase items for a temporary clubhouse including a lockable fridge, dishwashers, cash register, storage and the replacement of the office computer, printer, and copier.

“It is clear how this has increased the morale and happiness within the Club,” Club Chairman, Paul Kearnan said.

RACQ Foundation at South Brisbane District Cricket Club

RACQ volunteers recently visited the South Brisbane District Cricket Club to help restore the grounds. The Club also received funding for the removal of existing flood-damaged sight screen structures and the replacement of two mobile sight screens.

Vice President Alex Robynson said the cricket grounds are important to families in the community.

“At times it’s more than just a cricket club, it’s a place for people to come together and a beautiful place to watch cricket as well,” Mr Robynson said.

“We get contacted all the time by former and life members asking how the club is going, so clearly it stays with families for a long time.

“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 all under water, and the shed and nets were all damaged.

“It was a big effort to get back up and running. Souths can’t thank the RACQ Foundation enough.”

The latest round of funding closes 5pm, 7 October 2022. More information on how to apply can be found here.

Related topics

  • The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.

    Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.

    Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.

    Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

    RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.