RACQ drives a positive future for all Queenslanders through its commercial businesses and social impact initiatives.
I’d like to spend some time reflecting on RACQ’s social impact and our dedication to supporting Queenslanders this year.
From the Torres Strait islands off the tip of Far North Queensland to the outback, Wide Bay, Lockyer Valley and Sunshine Coast, our Community Assistance Projects delivered much-needed support to community clubs and organisations.
Reflecting on the initiatives and how they strengthen our communities fills me with immense pride in our Club and our people.
Supporting Queenslanders is at the heart of everything we do and that includes the State’s wildlife.
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to celebrate an incredible decade-long partnership between RACQ and Wildlife Warriors.
The visit was to hand over the keys to two new vehicles to the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to serve as animal ambulances.
Over the past year, the unit has come to the aid of more than 2,000 patients.
Leona Murphy, RACQ President.
As part of the partnership, our volunteers also completed a Community Assistance Project in June that tackled the aftermath of extreme weather by clearing debris from a 9ha eucalyptus plantation.
The project aimed to restore this vital food source for koalas at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, ensuring the animals continue to receive the care and sustenance they need to recover from their injuries.
While the Community Assistance Projects were initially launched in 2011 to support recovery from severe weather events, the program has evolved to help communities enhance their climate resilience and disaster preparedness, especially as Queensland remains the State most vulnerable to growing climate impacts.
In March, 30 of our RACQ Foundation volunteers spent a week at Mulgowie Farming Company in South East Queensland, planting trees and restoring vegetation.
Partnering with Healthy Land and Water Australia, our efforts contributed to the Laidley Creek Restoration Master Plan, aiming to reduce biodiversity loss, erosion and siltation in the face of potential flooding.
Most recently, the RACQ Foundation completed its 24th community project in the Torres Strait.
These initiatives are just a part of our ongoing efforts to support and improve our communities.
Thirty-eight volunteers worked tirelessly to revitalise the Frog Gully Community Gardens on Thursday Island and install an aquaponics system on Horn Island, helping to improve food security for island residents, while strengthening the island’s resilience against natural disasters.
Our education team also conducted road safety programs in local schools, reinforcing our commitment to community wellbeing and safety.
These initiatives are just a part of our ongoing efforts to support and improve our communities.
In the past financial year, RACQ provided more than $8 million to communities across Queensland, including the delivery of safe driving programs and local community giving.
I would like to thank our members, partners, volunteers and employees for their support and dedication to bring these initiatives to life throughout the year.
Top photo: Australia Zoo's Head of Global Sales Erina Kilmore and RACQ President Leona Murphy with the two new wildlife rescue vehicles.