RACQ Foundation volunteers travelled north in September to help Wujal Wujal recover following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Jasper.
In December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper crossed the Far North Queensland coast near the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal, leading to widespread severe flooding.
While there were significant impacts on local infrastructure and the environment, the emotional toll on those who call this place home can’t be measured.
Recognising the need to help a community recover from this devastating event, RACQ Manager Foundation Bridgette Muller said choosing Wujal Wujal for the Club’s 25th Community Assistance Project was a straightforward decision.
“The RACQ Foundation centres around helping communities like Wujal Wujal that have been affected by natural disasters and may need some extra people power and funding to rebuild local infrastructure,” Ms Muller said.
“During the two-week project our blue army of 25 volunteers were able to offer support by helping with the revegetation of community gardens and repair work on local buildings, as well as discussing ways Wujal Wujal can build weather resilience in the future.
“We were proud to partner with Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council to deliver this project and are grateful for support from Thread Together, Cherbourg Ration Shed and My Pathway’s local trainees.”
RACQ Foundation volunteer Rob Carnell said it was great to be part of the ‘blue army’, lending a hand where it was needed most.
“During the trip I was able to help with repainting buildings, replanting at the nursery, lacquering floors as well as educating the locals on how they can continue with the upkeep of these community hubs,” Mr Carnell said.
Steve Bellotti, Alan Stensness, Michael Druce and Will Soutar prepare a barbecue.
“It was extremely rewarding to see that our efforts were so appreciated by the locals – they were so happy and welcoming.”
While Rob did love the chance to roll up his sleeves, he also enjoyed sharing stories with the locals.
“Working side by side with the local community meant we got to learn about their culture and hear stories about what it’s like living in Wujal Wujal,” he said.
“It was equally fulfilling getting to know other RACQ volunteers during the trip who you wouldn’t normally get to work with.”
In FY24, 183 RACQ employees and tradespeople volunteered 8,343 hours of their time to provide on-the-ground support through Community Assistance Projects across remote and regional Queensland.
