Australia: QGC to Support Lifeline for Western Downs

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