The GIVIT Storms and Flooding Appeal will be able to increase its support services to flood affected Queenslanders following a $50,000 donation from the Queensland Country Group.

Queensland Country Group CEO, Aaron Newman, said the donation was a unanimous decision from the group’s bank and health fund Chairs, Christine Flynn and Karen Read.

“As a member-owned organisation we are able to reinvest our profits back into our local communities, and we have previously supported natural disaster recovery efforts including the Townsville floods in 2019 and SEQ bushfires in 2020,” said Mr Newman

“Our Boards and Executive Teams fully supported Queensland Country making a combined donation of $50,000 on behalf of our bank and health fund, and after speaking to the team at GIVIT, we feel very confident that our donation will make a tangible difference to the flood recovery for Queenslanders.

“Ten per cent of the donation will contribute to staff wages to facilitate the coordination of donations, with the other ninety per cent supporting flood victims with basics such as food and fuel vouchers.”

GIVIT Founder Juliette Wright said that GIVIT works directly with councils, outreach teams, charities and community groups to identify exactly what’s needed to make sure people get what they need, when they need it, and that Queensland Country Bank’s donation would make a significant difference

“GIVIT is a not-for-profit donation platform working with the Queensland Government to manage donations of essential items, services and funds for people impacted by floods. GIVIT.org.au is an easy and efficient way of donating directly to people impacted by this event, without overwhelming charities and frontline services on the ground,” said Juliette.

“Many people have lost homes and livelihoods across parts of Queensland, with some still recovering from previous disasters as well as the impact of COVID lockdowns.

“We’re so grateful to Queensland Country Group for their generous donation, this is a long-term recovery and GIVIT will be assisting people in these regions for many years.”

Mr Newman said that in addition to the financial support, Queensland Country has been liaising closely with flood affected staff and Members.

“The feedback we’ve received is that many flood victims were already experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, so we have assisted a number of impacted Members to apply for our Disaster Support Package to restructure accounts and defer loan repayments to give them a chance to get back on their feet,” he said.

“We have supported our branch team members who may have been impacted, by providing flexible working arrangements through our Natural Disaster Leave program, to allow them time to support their family and friends through the clean up.  

“Our insurance partner has staff on the ground at recovery centres to assist with efficient claim processing, and their Claims Relationship Specialist is communicating with our branch staff so that we are well equipped to respond to Member queries.

“Fortunately, our branches did not sustain damage during the floods, so Members have been able to have access to a quiet space and support to lodge their insurance claims. We’ve also noticed that some of our more vulnerable, but not directly impacted Members, like to visit our branches and interact with our teams during times of disruption, and our staff have gone above and beyond to offer them genuine care during this time.

“We’re committed to continuing to support our Members, staff and communities throughout the flood recovery through practical and financial support for as long as it is required.”

To donate to the GIVIT Storms and Flooding Appeal please visit www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding.