Inaugural Regional Giving Fund to boost Roma community groups
Wednesday 19 February 2020: Representatives from Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) and former Maroons and Brisbane Broncos legend Michael Hancock are visiting Roma to recognise the efforts of local organisations as part of the corporation’s inaugural Regional Giving Fund.
BAC’s Regional Giving Fund provides cash grants to community groups delivering health and wellbeing, safety, sport, education, environmental and other community benefits.
The Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern Queensland (AFLSSQ), St John’s School, and Roma Rugby Union Football were all selected to receive grants in this round of giving.
Cory Heathwood, BAC Head of Government, Industry & Community Relations, Jacinta Messer, BAC Sponsorships & Events Manager, and Michael Hancock visited the Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern Queensland yesterday to present a cheque for $10,000.
The Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern Queensland will use the grant to introduce a ‘Cuppa and a yarn’ program to support women who may have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence.
Women who attend the program will have access to invaluable face-to-face support as well as information packs containing contact information should they face an emergency situation.
All remaining funds will be used to hold a forum after Easter where clients from the ‘Cuppa and a yarn’ will join local police and elected representatives to address the issue of domestic violence within the region.
Today, St John’s School will be presented with a cheque for $5,000 which will be used to send two teams of students to participate in the Queensland Independent Schools’ Rugby League and Netball Carnivals that will be held in Brisbane later this year.
Rugby League legend Michael Hancock will run Rugby League workshops for the students, giving them the ultimate tricks of the trade while inspiring confidence amongst students of all ages.
The third recipient, Roma Rugby Union Football, will use their $4,000 grant to introduce a women’s team into the regional Rugby Sevens competition.
Cory Heathwood said the corporation was incredibly proud to launch BAC’s inaugural Regional Giving Fund to support the good work being done throughout Queensland.
“There is no doubt that the regions are the backbone of our great State, and there are so many organisations and groups carrying out life-changing work.
“Brisbane Airport is the only Australian airport facilitating passenger flights to eight key regional airports in Queensland including Roma, making the connection between our two cities crucial for connecting people, essential and emergency services, and creating opportunities for the region.
“The purpose of BAC’s Regional Giving Fund is all about bolstering the organisations that are actively investing in their community, caring for those in need, providing a better quality of life and building stronger societies.
“It is wonderful to be here in Roma to acknowledge the work that Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern Queensland, St John’s School, and Roma Rugby Union Football do to make this community a better place.
“Brisbane Airport looks forward to doing what we can to support and strengthen our partnership with the regional communities that form the backbone of Queensland,” Mr Heathwood said
