Australia Post launches national disaster programme

Australia Post has launch a national programme with the State Emergency Service (SES) – a collaboration that will see the operator purchase replacement emergency equipment to assist those units most impacted by the natural disasters in the country earlier this year. Unveiled today (Thursday) by the Queensland minister for emergency services, the Honourable Neil Roberts, and Australia Post managing director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour, the programme is part of Australia Post’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities.

“This program is an expansion of our support in response to the natural disasters earlier this year and builds on our proud history of supporting the SES through our Workplace Giving program,” said Fahour.

“Australia Post delivers parcels to more than 10m addresses across the country and is often a rallying point for communities when natural disasters strike. So it’s a natural fit for us to provide front line equipment to those SES units across the East Coast of Australia and in Western Australia, who communities rely on so heavily in times of crisis.

“This initiative is particularly exciting because it will be led by our front line staff who will work directly with the SES units to equip them with a range of vital resources.”

Australia Post is one of the first organisations to implement such a programme at a national level and Roberts said Australia Post’s donation was an example of one iconic organisation helping another.

“The ‘postie’ is a well-respected member of communities right across the state, just like our SES volunteers,” he said.

“I thank Australia Post for their support for SES groups in Queensland and across Australia. The SES in Queensland is built on a partnership between local and state government, however support from organisations like Australia Post is appreciated.”

Australia Post has committed $600,000 to the programme. In Queensland, where the greatest impact was felt, the initiative will enable spine boards and first aid kits to be replaced in each of the state’s 200 SES flood boats.

In Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, Australia Post will provide grants to the SES units most affected by the floods, cyclones and bushfires. The grants will enable the units to purchase a range of vital resources, including chainsaws, flood boat motors and other rescue equipment.

“Our commitment to the SES demonstrates that our role in the community extends far beyond our products and services,” Fahour said.

“Australia Post is a valued community asset – owned and operated by the Australian community for the Australian community.

“We have a workplace culture that encourages our people to give something back and we’re really pleased that we are able to provide support to local communities in need.”

The initiative builds on Australia Post’s Workplace Community Giving programme, which encourages staff to invest in the community. The programme supports nine community partners, including the SES, and enables staff to make regular donations using tax free dollars, which is matched by the organisation.