Community & Business
9 June, 2022
Grants helping out after floods
RACQ Foundation has pledged $2.1 million to assist community groups and sporting clubs affected by floods in south east Queensland, including RM Equestrian Centre Inc based in Hodgson Vale.
There are 73 organisations impacted by one of Australia’s worst flooding events that were approved for funding under the Foundation’s two grant rounds.
It has been a challenging start for the RM’s Equestrian Centre, which opened right before the first round of flooding this year at the end of February.
The work on getting it up and running had already been hampered by the flooding at the end of last year.
President of RM’s Equestrian Centre Jo Williams said it has been a struggle, repairing wash outs and damage to the track only for flooding to happen again.
Mrs Williams had not yet heard how much the grant from RACQ will be, but the centre is hoping to now have two showjump rings, allowing them to hold proper showjump events.
The centre also recently won the tender for a new showjump trailer from Kooralbyn.
Mrs Williams said despite the weather woes, things have been going really well the centre.
“The first event had over 200 entries. We’ve had a lot of new riders from 12 years old up to old ladies.
“We’re planning on having a lot of training and showjump days and we could still do with more helpers,” she said.
RM’s Equestrian Centre is hosting cross country training days next weekend, Saturday and Sunday 18 and 19 June.
Those interested should contact Jo Williams on 0412 790 417 or rmpoloclub@bigpond.com
RACQ CEO David Carter said the grants enable groups, many of them not-for-profit organisations run by volunteers, to pay for rebuilding costs and the replacement of much-needed equipment and amenities.
“Queenslanders have shown extraordinary camaraderie and resilience in the face of heartbreaking challenges not only this year, but in the past several years, as drought, cyclones, storms, and floods have ravaged the State.
“We’re committed to being there our members, their families and communities now and through the long recovery and rebuilding process.”
Round 2 of RACQ Foundation’s Community Grant Program is open until 7 October.
Sporting clubs, community groups and organisations with a charitable purpose impacted by severe weather events this year can apply for an RACQ Foundation Community Grant here.
