Walcon boosts Marine Qld flood and cyclone appeal

by Graham Shelley-Jones on 17 Feb 2011 Marine Queensland’s recently established Flood and Cyclone Relief Fund has received a welcome boost from Walcon Marine Australia Pty Ltd in the form of a generous cash donation.

Don Jones, General Manager of Marine Queensland, said that the fund would be channelled directly toward helping marine industry companies get back on their feet following the combined effects of the recent cyclone and the preceding floods.

The graphic images of the devastation at Hinchinbrook Marina, and the Brisbane River washing vessels, pontoons, jetties and other marine items out past the city, reflected just how much the industry was affected.

Queensland Marine quickly established a fund to handle offers of help and posted details onto the QM website. One of the first companies to make a contribution was Walcon Marine Australia, based at Coomera. In a low-key ceremony at QM’s offices a cheque was passed to Don Jones by Andy Goss the General Manager – East, for Walcon Marine.

Andy Goss explained that his fellow employees had asked what the company could do, and he advised that the initial challenge was to put some money into the hands of QM to cover urgent incidentals. 'Our company is very aware of the impact of the flood damage and the affect on some of our industry colleagues', Andy said. He added that it was also an opportunity for others who owed so much to the marine industry in Queensland to show their support.

In accepting the donation from Andy Goss and Walcon, Don Jones said, 'We are delighted to receive this donation from Walcon Marine who we recognise as a key player in the Australian marine industry and we hope that other members of our organisation will join with us in this worthy cause'.

More at www.walconmarine.com and www.walconmarineaustralia.com.au