News

As we stop to reflect on the seriousness of this issue that impacts families across Australia, we want to acknowledge the incredible work being achieved by two charity recipients of our Community Giving Fund.

The Lady Musgrave Trust and RSPCA’s Pets in Crisis program in Rockhampton were successful grant recipients under the Community Safety category of our Community Giving Fund and are providing programs to support women who are impacted by domestic and family violence.

The Lady Musgrave Trust provides safe and secure accommodation and support services for women who are facing homeless situations as a result of domestic violence, family breakdown and other complex issues and we are proud to support the distribution of the Trust’s Handy Guide for Homeless Women in Queensland.

Karen Lyon Reid, CEO of the Lady Musgrave Trust said the homelessness service directory is now the most highly regarded directory of its kind for women in need.

“The booklet goes directly into a homeless woman's hands, providing her with vital details on places to go for shelter, food, legal advice, clothing and other services she may need. It is only through collaboration with organisations such as Aurizon that we can make an impact on homelessness and domestic violence.”

In Rockhampton Central Queensland, we are supporting the RSPCA’s Pets in Crisis program, which provides temporary care for pets while women seek refuge in shelters until they can be reunited in a safe environment.

Research shows that up to 25% of women often won’t leave violent situations out of concern for the welfare of their pets – especially when their abusers have harmed, or threatened to harm their pets. Additionally many domestic violence refuges are not equipped to take pets, or they are not permitted to accept animals.

RSPCA Queensland CEO Mark Townend said, “Pets in Crisis is one of those services that is extremely helpful for families in need by providing a safe, secure and temporary home for their furry family members while they resolve their own difficult and often dangerous situation.”

As our operations span many regional centres and communities across Queensland, we hope that the contribution through our Community Giving Fund further supports the life-changing work these charities do each and every day and helps to make a difference to those most vulnerable.

At Aurizon, we are committed to taking an active role in reducing the impact of domestic violence among our employees and the broader community through our employee assistance programs and by supporting organisations and events to raise awareness of this serious issue.

Since 2011, our Community Giving Fund has supported more than 280 worthwhile charities and projects across the areas of Community Safety, Education, Environment and Health & Wellbeing. The next round of our Community Giving Fund opens in March 2018.