Rocky Council staff’s flying fundraiser

Published on 01 October 2020

Staff from Rockhampton AIrport, RFDS, and RACQ at the RFDS hangar.jpg

Staff at Rockhampton Regional Council have turned their hand at piloting paper planes to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service.

Rockhampton Regional Council’s Executive Manager of Workforce and Governance, Tracy Sweeney, said staff were always looking for ways to help their nominated charities.

“Every second year our entire staff team are invited to vote for the charities that we will support for the next two years, and RFDS and RACQ Capricorn Rescue are two of our nominated charities at the moment,” Ms Sweeney said.

“As well as payroll deductions and fundraisers, we are always looking for new and fun ways to raise money. Given the flying theme one of our great fundraising champions said “why not have a paper aeroplane competition?”

“Staff across all different departments at Council held their own heats, with each winner going on to represent their teams in the Grand Final.

“The winning distance was a whopping 14.3m with, ironically, our Airport Team now enjoying the bragging rights that come with victory.

“Thanks to fundraisers like these we’ve been able to raise nearly $3,000 for these two excellent charities.

“We are very conscious of our responsibility to be a good corporate citizen and a good employer, and charitable fundraising is just one of the many ways we do that.”

RFDS CEO Meredith Staib said the Service was very appreciative for the long-standing support of Rockhampton Regional Council.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive as the RFDS depends on fundraising and donations to continue to bridge the gap in operational funding and to finance our capital-raising program,” she said.

“In addition to initiatives such as this fundraiser, Council also generously reimburses the RFDS for its landing fees at Rockhampton Airport, representing an incredible cost saving for the organisation.

“The support of Council helps the RFDS deliver more than $10.3 million in economic benefits to the Rockhampton Region every year.”

A spokesperson for RACQ Capricorn Rescue said:

“The continued support received by the Council highlights the value placed on the Service by Rockhampton Regional Council and its staff.

“RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service relies heavily on the support of state and local governments, major corporations, local businesses and the community to continue operations in Central Queensland.

“We recognise the significant contribution made by Rockhampton Regional Council and its staff and thank them.”  

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