REX Pledges $1.5 Million For Flood Relief In Northern Queensland

To assist in the recovery of communities affected by the extensive flooding in Northern Queensland, Regional Express (Rex) has decided to set aside $500,000 in relief funds and to make this available to Townsville and the surrounding devastated Queensland region.

Rex had originally set up a Rex Drought Relief Fund of $1M to assist in alleviating the hardship of those suffering from the effects of the drought. This will now be renamed the Rex Relief Fund and its budget will be raised to $1.5M. This fund will be available for all relief efforts arising from natural disasters like drought, floods and fire. Community groups working to alleviate the impact of natural disasters will be able to apply to draw from the fund in the form of $4 of travel on the Rex network for every $1 raised by the community groups. Small businesses that are providing assistance to victims of natural disasters will also be eligible for assistance.

Rex has partnered with The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and will also be collecting donations on all flights and on the ground at Rex Check-in and Lounges to provide cash contributions to the charity in support of their Strengthening Rural Communities program.

Rex's deputy Chairman, John Sharp AM, said, "The FRRR provide flexible grants for regional communities challenged by the volatility of Australia's harsh climate and the impact on their livestock and crops and will complement the Rex Relief Fund in reducing the hardship of those affected. From drought to floods, the FRRR's vision for a vibrant and sustainable regional and remote Australia aligns with Rex's motto, 'Our heart is in the Country'. Rex's thoughts and prayers go out to all residents of communities in regional Queensland who are facing unimaginable hardship as they struggle to recover from the epic floods that are still enveloping much of the landscape there."

"Rex has the largest network in regional and rural Queensland with 25 destinations from Brisbane to Bamaga, and it behoves us to stand by our loyal rural customers in their time of greatest need."

Interested parties for flood assistance may apply via the Rex website under About Rex - Sponsorship.