Businesses dig deep to help victims

MORE businesses are digging deep to donate to people affected by the North Queensland flood event.

Mining and metals company South32 has pledged $1 million to St Vincent de Paul’s through the Queensland Flood Appeal, MMG $200,000 and a further $50,000 to Cloncurry local support, and Colliers $5000 to GIVIT.

This adds to the $1.205 million already donated three days ago.

South32’s chief executive Graham Kerr said the company was committed to supporting employees and people impacted by the floods.

“I have lived in Townsville and seeing the flood images really highlights the impact on the community and basic services,” Mr Kerr said.

“My thoughts are with our employees, their families, and everyone affected by this disaster.”

South32’s Cannington mine vice president of operations Rob Jackson said nearly 50 per cent of its workforce lived in and around Townsville.

“We are hearing heartbreaking stories from our people about the impact this event has had on their lives,” said Mr Jackson.

“The clean-up and flood remediation work will take time and will have long-term effects on the residents of Townsville. We need to support this.”

General manager Dugald River Sam Rodda said the region was still dealing with the fallout from the un- precedented weather event.

“Like the rest of Australia, we have watched the impact this has had on the people of North Queensland and we want to show our support,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with all the families affected by these events. That is why MMG is committed to working in cooperation with the Townsville and Cloncurry city councils and Queensland Government to make sure that these funds go to the most appropriate disaster relief organisations in our local community.”

Adani Australia, Queensland Country Credit Union, Townsville Airport, The Ville Resort-casino and Willows Shopping Centre have also donated to GIVIT.

Glencore started the donations with $1 million to the North Queensland Flood Appeal.

Go to www.qld.gov.au/ emergency/emergencies-services/help-disaster to donate to the appeal.

LIKE THE REST OF AUSTRALIA, WE HAVE WATCHED THE IMPACT THIS HAS HAD ON THE PEOPLE OF NORTH QUEENSLAND AND WE WANT TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT SAM RODDA