Following last year’s drought relief programme of $0.5m, Australia’s largest independent regional airline, Regional Express (Rex), has again stepped up its efforts by allocating up to $1 million in travel on its services to assist communities affected by one of Australia’s worst droughts.
Commenting on the doubling of the relief effort, Rex’s Deputy Chairman John Sharp said that the continuing severe drought has caused untold hardships to many primary producers and rural communities.
“Areas in western New South Wales, north-western Victoria and most of South Australia are severely affected. Rex provides vital air services to many communities in these areas and feels duty bound to make an exceptional effort to help out where we could. Although this was not budgeted for, our Board felt compelled to react in the face of the enormity of the catastrophe.”
“Rex will work with federal, state and local organisations to set up a fund for regional air travel. This is a co-operative effort and Rex will contribute $4.00 in air travel on Rex services for every $1.00 contributed by eligible community organisations. The fund will be administered by the community organisation but must be used for air travel on Rex for an activity associated with providing relief or assistance from the impact of the drought.”
“One of the first initiatives is an agreement with the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) in South Australia with setting up a fund of $20,000 in Rex travel to add to the important financial counselling services they are providing. With this fund the counsellors could fly to remote communities instead of driving the long distances involved from Adelaide.
Mr Sharp went on to say that Rex had been consulting with a number of community-based organisations such as the Farmers Federation, Local Government Association and the Shires Association along with local groups to assist in providing additional support and assistance.
“We are now inviting community-based organisations undertaking drought relief and assistance activities to apply for this assistance from Rex. The activities can be varied, but must be specifically targeted to alleviate the impact of the drought not just on farmers but also on others in rural communities, small business, community groups and individuals.
“Open seminars and discussion groups conducted by a number of community organisations in regional centres for providing information, advice and assistance to those suffering from the financial and mental burden brought about by the drought are also eligible. Similarly relief activities by community organisations associated with the recent devastating bush fires can
also qualify.
The Rex Drought Relief Fund application form is available here and must be completed and submitted by end of March 2007.
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