December 18, 2024 -- Aurizon, Australia’s leading rail-based transport company, proudly announces the latest recipients of its Community Giving Fund. This initiative supports charities and community organisations nationwide, reflecting Aurizon’s commitment to enhancing the communities where our employees live and work.
The fund provides grants of up to $20,000 to local projects in education, community safety, environment and health and wellbeing.
Andrew Harding, Aurizon’s Managing Director & CEO said the grants are welcome support for local non-profit organisations crucial to the well-being of communities within Aurizon’s operational areas.
“We are delighted to support the regions where over 80% of our employees live and work,” Andrew said.
“Through our Community Giving Fund, we have the privilege of giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of people in these areas.”
In this funding round, 23 outstanding recipients have been chosen, ensuring that Aurizon continues to contribute meaningfully to the communities it serves.
“For example, in South Australia, we are proud to support Youth Opportunities Australia by funding a 10-week leadership program for young people in the Whyalla community. The Elevate Personal Leadership Pathway Program, set to be delivered in 2025, aims to boost students’ confidence, resilience, motivation and engagement with their education and future pathways,” Andrew said.
“In Queensland, we are delighted to support Batyr Australia by funding the delivery of four youth mental health programs in Townsville. These programs equip young people with the skills and knowledge to care for their mental health and support their peers before reaching a crisis point. By normalising mental health conversations and promoting positive help-seeking behaviours, they aim to empower the youth.
In brief
Aurizon says 23 organisations have been selected in the latest round of its Community Giving Fund, which supports community projects across Australia. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for work in areas including education, safety, the environment, and health and wellbeing. The company highlighted projects supporting youth leadership and mental health, accessibility at a community workshop, an urban forest in Western Australia, and scholarships for women entering rail trades. Aurizon Managing Director and CEO Andrew Harding said the fund supports communities where many of its employees live and work. Established in 2011, the fund has awarded grants to more than 650 charities and not-for-profit groups, according to the company. Applications for the next round are expected to open in early 2025.
Key takeaways
- Aurizon selected 23 organisations for the latest Community Giving Fund round.
- The fund offers grants of up to $20,000 for local projects in several community-focused areas.
- Highlighted initiatives include youth programs, accessibility improvements, an urban forest and trade scholarships.
- Aurizon says more than 650 charities and not-for-profit groups have received grants since 2011.
“In New South Wales, we are thrilled to support Newcastle Men’s Shed by funding the construction of a raised platform and ramps at the rear of the shed. This will provide access for people with mobility issues and create a safe area for operating machines. Additionally, part of the funding will be used to install dust extraction pipes and repaint the bathroom facilities.
“In Western Australia, we are delighted to support the Carbon Neutral Charitable Fund by funding the purchase of seedlings, mulch and other materials to launch an urban forest initiative in Usher, Bunbury. This fast-growing native forest will help reduce temperatures, boost biodiversity and create a wildlife corridor, fostering a cooler, greener and more resilient community.
“In the Northern Territory, we are proud to support the Tradeswomen Australia Community Foundation by funding scholarships for women pursuing trade careers in the rail industry. These scholarships will cover essential costs and provide mentoring to reduce financial stress, increase apprenticeship retention and ensure completion. The aim is to help bridge skills shortages in essential trades while promoting diversity, inclusion and long-term career success in the industry,” Andrew said.
A list of all the latest Aurizon Community Giving Fund recipients and their projects is available here.
Background
Aurizon’s Community Giving Fund distributes funds bi-annually and provides grants of up to $20,000. More than 650 charities and not-for-profit groups across Australia have received grants since the Fund was established in 2011.
The next round of applications for the Community Giving Fund will open in early 2025.
For more information about the Community Giving Fund visit www.aurizon.com.au/community/community-giving-fund
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Affairs: [email protected]
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At a glance
- Company
- Aurizon
- Location
- Australia
Key figures
- Maximum grant
- up to $20,000
- Recipients in latest round
- 23
- Employees living and working in operational areas
- over 80%
- Charities and not-for-profit groups awarded grants since establishment
- More than 650
- Fund established
- 2011
People
- Andrew HardingManaging Director & CEO
Products and programs
Earlier from Aurizon
- Aurizon and Mackay Council partner on native reforestation project
- Aurizon’s Community Giving Fund: Empowering local initiatives and enriching lives
- Aurizon secures funding to develop next-generation freight trains using renewable energy
- Local charities receive a boost from Aurizon
- Aurizon launches east coast container services
