Community safer thanks to Karalee Community Branch donation
People in south-west Brisbane are that bit safer, with a $65,000 donation from Heritage Bank Karalee significantly increasing the ability to deal with local emergencies and natural disasters.
30 November 2023
People in south-west Brisbane are that bit safer, with a $65,000 donation from Heritage Bank Karalee significantly increasing the ability to deal with local emergencies and natural disasters.
The donation has funded the purchase and fit-out of a 2023 Ford Ranger XL, which will be used as a command and reconnaissance vehicle along with performing rescue work.
“People in this area only have to remember the 2022 floods to understand how important having off-road capability is,” said Ray Moxon, a long-time member of the Moggill Group.
“There’s also a lot of bush just to the north where we’ve had people getting into trouble so this new vehicle is definitely going to lift our capability and help us help the community.
“We’ve made sure to keep the vehicle light to maximise accessibility,” Ray said.
The donation allowed the vehicle to be fitted-out to the specifications requested by Moggill SES, with upgraded suspension, steel wheels, all-terrain tyres, bull bar and winch, recovery points and a purpose-built canopy.
The Karalee Community Branch is a joint venture between Heritage Bank and the local community, represented by the Community Capital Company (CCC). As a community branch, CCC’s share of branch profits is distributed back into the area via community grants, sponsorships and more.
“We were very happy to receive the grant application for this new vehicle,” said CCC Chair Adrian Wellington. “And very happy to provide the funds.”
“The SES is made up of volunteers from our community who we can rely on to be there to help when it’s really needed, and who often put themselves at great risk. Assisting them in a meaningful way is why community branches like ours at Karalee really exist. And it’s a big reason why people bank with us – because we give back.”
The vehicle was handed over to representatives of Moggill SES at a special event generously hosted by the Mt Crosby Bowls Club.
Find out more about Heritage Bank's community branches.
PHOTO: Members of the Moggill SES Group (from left) Luke Huxham, Matt Gorman, Peter Voght, Evan Anderson and Nick Pavlides.