QGC Pty Ltd will contribute more than $1 million to Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland counselling services in the Western Downs over the next two years.
QGC’s General Manager Land and Community Management, Tony Nunan , and Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland CEO Derek Tuffield announced the funding in Chinchilla this morning.
The funding has been made available through QGC’s Sustainable Communities Program.
“ This funding is part of QGC’s ongoing commitment to rural health in Queensland ,” Mr Nunan said.
“ Rural communities in south-west Queensland have experienced a tough year brought on by extensive flooding .
“ Almost 300 homes and businesses in Chinchilla and Dalby were inundated, in some cases twice .
“ For farmers in some areas it came in the wake of long drought .
“ We recognise the value of mental health support in these communities and Lifeline is well placed to provide that support. ”
Mr Tuffield said two rural counsellors and a financial counsellor would be initially based from Lifeline’s Patrick Street office in Dalby pending the establishment of the new Chinchilla office.
They would provide face-to-face counselling, community education, group work, outreach, and mobile services to individuals and families on properties and in rural communities.
“ It’s exciting for the Chinchilla community and surrounding districts that we will be able to increase much-needed client services due to the comprehensive funding provided by QGC ,” Mr Tuffield said.
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Source: QGC, October 18, 2011