Australia Post is cooperating in a national programme with the State Emergency Service (SES) topurchase replacement emergency equipment to assist those units most impacted by the natural
disasters earlier this year.The programme, launched today by Queensland‘s Minister for Emergency Services NeilRoberts and Australia Post Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Fahour, is part of the company’songoing commitment to supporting local communities.
The Australian postal operator has donated $600,000 to the programme. In Queensland, wherethe greatest impact was felt, the initiative will enable spine boards and first aid kits to bereplaced in each of the state’s 200 SES flood boats.
In Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, Australia Post will provide grants to theSES units most affected by the floods, cyclones and bushfires. The grants will enable the units topurchase a range of vital resources, including chainsaws, flood boat motors and other rescueequipment.
The initiative builds on Australia Post’s Workplace Community Giving programme, whichencourages staff to invest in the community. The programme supports nine community partners,including the SES, and enables staff to make regular donations using tax free dollars, which ismatched by the organisation.
“Australia Post delivers parcels to more than 10 million addresses across the country and isoften a rallying point for communities when natural disasters strike. So it’s a natural fit for usto provide front line equipment to those SES units across the east coast of Australia and inWestern Australia, whose communities rely on so heavily in times of crisis,” Farour said.
“This programme is an expansion of our support in response to the natural disasters earlierthis year and builds on our proud history of supporting the SES through our Workplace Givingprogramme.”
