As bushfires continue to burn in South East Queensland, local fire brigades will receive new equipment and supplies to assist them with firefighting and prevention thanks to a $20,000 donation to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) from Queensland Country Bank.

Queensland Country Acting Chief Executive Officer Andrew McArdle said the donation was made on behalf of its 28 branches and their Members across the state.

“We want the firies and support personnel to know we all appreciate the amazing job they are doing and our thoughts are with the communities affected,” Mr McArdle said.

“We’ve been in direct contact with staff in our Jimboomba, Stanthorpe and Beaudesert branches to identify how we can best support them during this time, especially as some of them have had their own homes threatened by the bushfires.

“Relief Packages are available to Members who have been affected, but we also wanted to make a financial contribution to the Rural Fire Service to assist with the firefighting efforts and rebuild.”

Supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do, which is why we’ve been active throughout the state, donating over $2.1 Million in grants, sponsorships and relief funding since 2005, including $50,000 following the unprecedented monsoonal event in Townsville in February this year.

“Our Head Office is located in Townsville, and we saw first-hand how devastating it is for communities hit by natural disasters and the massive effort that goes into rebuilding,” says Mr McArdle.

“It’s essential that we help these communities through tough times and get back on their feet as soon as possible because it’s where we live and work too.

“It’s all part of our difference as a Member-owned banking organisation. Without shareholders to pay dividends to, we can invest our profits into local communities while still providing the best possible products and services to our Members.”

The Rural Fire Service is the volunteer side of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and provides fire services to 93% of Queensland.  The RFS is made up of approximately 33,000 volunteers, including 2400 Fire Wardens, who make up approximately 1400 rural fire brigades.

You can make a donation to help raise funds for vital Rural Fire Service equipment for Queensland and say thank you to the volunteers by visiting here.