Diageo Australia – makers of iconic Bundaberg Rum – announced yesterday that they are making a $200,000 donation to the Flood Appeal, which is very generous.
I’m delighted to thank all the major corporate donors that have given a massive boost to the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 and urge all Queenslanders to follow their lead and give generously. Every dollar raised will go to help individuals and communities across the state hit hard by floods and damaging winds from ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
The Appeal has received more than $5,450,000 in donations so far. This includes almost $2,800,000 in donations pledged from corporations across the country along with more than $700,000 from members of the public.
The largest of these corporate donations is $1 million announced by BHP Billiton, matching the initial $1 million contribution from the State Government.
The Federal Government has also contributed $1,000,000.
Other major donations pledged by corporations include:
- $500,000 from the Commonwealth Bank
- $400,000 from ANZ
- $150,000 from Aurizon
- $100,000 from Qantas, Westpac and the Bank of Queensland
- $50,000 from Santos, Origin, Arrow Energy and QGC
Qantas is also providing flight support to the SES and Red Cross and Santos has offered a 40 man temporary camp for recovery teams to use.
What these companies are telling us is that they are concerned about the thousands of families who have suffered or sustained water or wind damage.
We are extremely grateful for their help, as well as the donations both big and small that have come from ordinary Australians.
At this stage we estimate the damage bill will run into the billions of dollars, so it’s clear much, much more is required.
I encourage people across the State to dig deep and help their fellow Queenslanders.