Media release:
Clive Palmer and QNI Resources are helping local community groups teach fire safety preparedness through a $12,000 donation.
Continuing QNI’s strong commitment to supporting North Queensland, the donation was made today to the Townsville Community Engagement Group. It will enable the not for profit community group to purchase a second hand rural fire utility for use in community education.
Les Parker, a retired emergency services worker and member of the Townsville Community Engagement Group, said the donation was greatly appreciated. “The group started as a group of likeminded people who wanted to raise money for disadvantaged youth. Through the group, I have meet people like Anthony Birnie, and discovered that we can do a lot more,’’ Mr Parker said.
Anthony Birnie is a full-time carer and emergency services volunteer. “I see people in the community who because of their disabilities, often get left behind when it comes to disaster preparedness. I’m proud that the Townsville Community Engagement Group can help educate these people who differ from the mainstream though isolation caused by their disability,” Mr Birnie said.
Mr Parker said the volunteer Townsville Community Engagement Group was formed to engage with the local community.
“We have started visiting schools and attending public events and holding fundraising barbecues. This group goes out and informs people about disasters and how best to be prepared. The generous donation by QNI Resources and Clive Palmer will allow the Townsville Community Engagement Group to educate more vulnerable people in the community.
“We plan to use the vehicle at community events to help teach people about fire and storm preparedness,’’ he said.
Clive Palmer said QNI Resources was passionate about assisting worthy local causes in order to continue to make Townsville great.
