Almost 50 community organisations are being handed the keys to underused City of Gold Coast Council vehicles to help them do their work with the community.
The Council says it will provide the vehicles to the community organisations in January and February under a 12-month agreement.
Mayor, Tom Tate, handed over the keys to one of these vehicles to local organisation, You Belong, which will use the car to deliver food and other necessities to refugees who do not have access to them.
“There are so many community organisations and charities doing amazing work caring for and helping out Gold Coasters,” Mayor Tate said.
“We know transportation can often be difficult. These vehicles will take away one barrier that may prevent them from doing their good work or having to use private vehicles.”
You Belong found and CVO, Tim Buxton (pictured with Mayor Tate) said for refugees something as simple as transport could make a world of difference.
“This vehicle won’t just remove barriers — it will connect vulnerable families to vital community support and allow You Belong to empower them as they settle on the Gold Coast,” Mr Buxton said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Gold Coast for making it easier for families to find their feet and feel at home in their new community.”
The Council is set to provide 47 vehicles to 46 community organisations including 14 cars, 25 utes and eight vans.
It says the vehicles will go to community organisations such as meals on wheels groups, sports clubs, community services, and environmental groups.
The Council will fund the registration, maintenance, and insurance of the vehicle while the community organisations will fund the operational costs, including fuel.
List of organisations to receive a vehicle:
Bethany Care Ltd | Silver Bridle Action Group Inc/Lynne Richardson Community Centre | Seed The Ground Incorporated |
Journey 2 Learn Ltd | Village Bike Gold Coast (Inc) | Gold Coast Hospital Foundation |
Watergum Community Inc. | Cityreach Care Ltd | Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islanders Corporation For Welfare, Resource And Housing |
Animal Welfare League Of Queensland | New Life Community Care | Transformations Program Australia |
Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast | Cycling Without Age Gold Coast | Paradise Point & Districts Meals On Wheels Inc |
Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre | PTSD Resurrected Inc | Sea World Foundation |
Australian National Chinese Women’s Federation Inc | Kings Community Care Ltd | Coolangatta Bowls And Recreation Club Inc |
Reach Out For Christ Gold Coast | Everything Suarve Inc | North East Albert Landcare Group Inc. |
Gold Coast Australian Football League Umpires Association Inc | Living Temple Christian Church | Gold Coast Youth Service Inc |
Village Community Services Inc. | Healing Hooves Inc | South Coast Netball Association |
Coomera Cubs Baseball Club | Gold Coast Cycling Club Inc | Javeenbah Theatre Company |
Hav’a’feed Community Relief Ltd | Surfers Paradise Anglican Crisis Care Inc | Parrots For Purpose Ltd. |
Paradise Point Sailing Club | Nerang Country Paradise Association Management | Transcord Community Transport Ltd |
Australian Chinese Women’s Federation Inc | Playgroup Queensland Ltd | Gold Coast Little Theatre |
You Belong Australia | Surfers Paradise Baseball Club Inc | Gold Coast Youth Orchestra Inc. |
Glow Church |