During National Volunteer Week, RACQ celebrated the efforts of its volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to assist communities across Queensland.
Since the inception of RACQ’s Community Assistance Projects in 2016, volunteers have invested over 33,000 hours aiding communities from remote regions to coastal areas.
The Community Assistance Projects were created to offer practical support to Queenslanders affected by natural disasters.
The insurer said the program has grown significantly over the years, driven by the dedication of its volunteers.
RACQ Foundation manager Bridgette Muller highlighted how the volunteer program has adapted to meet the evolving needs of the Queensland community.
“Our first project took place in Longreach, which had been impacted by years of drought and hardship, as our roadside assistance employees volunteered their mechanical expertise to repair equipment on local farms,” she said. “Since then, 663 volunteers have proudly helped 52 community groups and 160 family-owned farms or stations affected by severe weather events across Queensland.
“Our volunteer force has now expanded to include RACQ employees across the business, volunteer trades, and dedicated community members known as ‘friends of the foundation.’ The volunteers complete a range of important work in the community, including planting vegetation, repairing generators and solar panels, providing technical support, as well as general maintenance work such as building repairs, painting, fencing, and gardening.
“We are so grateful to our volunteers for their dedication to being a force for good in the community, making our neighbourhoods safer, stronger, and more resilient.”
Volunteer Albert Budworth has participated in 20 community initiatives across Queensland.
Beginning his career with RACQ as a patrol officer in 1975, Budworth continued to give back as a volunteer after retiring.
“Volunteering is my way of giving back and making an impact,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be able to use my time and mechanical skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The sense of community and camaraderie among volunteers is what I love. We can achieve so much more together than we could ever do alone.”
Among RACQ’s latest initiatives is its vehicle donation to the ARTIE Driver Licensing Program, spearheaded by the Former Origin Greats (FOGS). The initiative is part of RACQ’s commitment to helping First Nations students acquire their learner permits and complete the required 100 driving hours.
