Bravus Mining and Resources helps bring comfort to regional families in need

Bravus Mining and Resources’ Community Partnership Program is helping provide a home away from home for the families of seriously ill regional Queensland kids receiving care at Townsville University Hospital.

The Community Partnership Program offers not-for-profit businesses, groups, or associations in central and north Queensland grants of up to $10,000 for projects that enhance communities through education, skills development, health, sustainability, environmental stewardship and social welfare.

Bravus Mining and Resources head of community Kate Campbell says the business is delighted to announce Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia’s Townsville Family Room as one of the successful recipients in the latest round of Community Partnership Program funding.

So far in 2024, more than 14,500 people have made use of the in-hospital kitchen, laundry, play and other facilities the Ronald McDonald Townsville Family Room provides to families of children receiving inpatient or outpatient care.

“No parent or guardian likes seeing their child unwell and those difficult circumstances are made all that much tougher when you’re a long way from the comforts of home,” Ms Campbell said.

“In regional Queensland that ‘long way’ can mean hundreds and hundreds of kilometres and that’s why we think it’s so important to support the service the Ronald McDonald Family Room provides.

“There, families can recharge in a space that feels like home, with access to comforts like a hot shower and a fully stocked kitchen, without having to stray far from their child’s bedside.

“We hope it’s a service your family never needs but we’re proud to be part of regional Queensland and prouder still to support causes that have a positive impact on the communities our workforce calls home.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia chief executive Jennifer Clermont says an average of 1,500 regional Queenslanders rely on the free services and supplies the Townsville Family Room provided each month.

“Bravus Mining and Resources’ support ensures the comforting sanctuary of a Ronald McDonald Family Room can be there for families to find rest, refuel and connection during challenging times,” she said.

“This gift makes a profound difference in their lives, and we thank Bravus for being part of our mission to keep families close.”

Applications for the final round of 2024 Bravus Mining and Resources Community Partnership Program funding close on December 1, 2024.

The other grant recipients in Round 3 of the 2024 Community Partnership Program were:

• Kirwan State High School, Townsville — F1 in Schools program
• Everglow Community Care Links Inc, Townsville — provision of defibrillators in the activity centre
• School Savvy CQ 2025 Program, Rockhampton — support to children and families who are struggling with back-to-school costs

Ms Campbell says the Townsville-headquartered business has awarded more than $700,000 to non-profit organisations, charities, schools and community groups within its operational footprint through the program since 2019.

“Our Carmichael mine near Clermont is now well into its third year of operations and is responsibly producing high quality thermal coal to meet growing international demand,” she said.

“It’s the success of the mine and the efforts of the more than 1,200 men and women who work there that enable us to support not-for-profit organisations and community groups like Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia and provide opportunities locals wouldn’t otherwise have.

“Our Community Partnership Program has clear guidelines and criteria your initiative or cause must meet, but, if you qualify, we’d love to hear from you and help where we can.”