QNI Resources helping local sports clubs reach their goals

QNI Resources is continuing to help local North Queensland sporting and community groups reach their goals, presenting Townsville Gymnastics with a cheque for $75,000 today in its latest donation to grass-roots causes.

Townsville Gymnastics club president Lawrence Peterson said the generous sponsorship provided by QNI Resources and Clive Palmer would assist the club to maintain and upgrade its equipment and continue to service its 1,500 plus members and the wider Townsville community.

“This gesture is incredibly welcome, coming at a time when the club’s operating costs have continued to rise over the past five years such as facility rental costs increasing by 111% and electricity costs going up dramatically,’’ Mr Peterson said.

“Like many junior sporting clubs in North Queensland, Gymnastics Townsville is under pressure to maintain its fees at affordable levels so that the club’s members and the Townsville community can continue enjoying the benefits that gymnastics provides.

“This sponsorship will help immensely,’’ he said.

QNI Resources Chairman Clive Palmer said the company was committed to giving back to the North Queensland community, having donated in excess of $10million to worthy local causes.

Groups that have benefited include the Australian Volunteer Coastguard, Corcoran Park Netball Association, Townsville City Netball Association, NQ Football Inc, Townsville Basketball, Townsville Eagles AFL, Western Lions Junior Rugby, Townsville PCYC, Townsville Community music and many more.

“We are very proud of our record in providing support to the people of North Queensland,’’ Mr Palmer said.

“It’s important that the refinery returns to operation as soon as possible so it can continue to provide community support. Many community groups are finding it difficult to raise funds in a community doing it tough,’’ he said.

“There is lots of interest from the community seeking sponsorship and support funds for sports, education and community projects. Most importantly the community needs jobs so there are opportunities in this community in the future.

“Let’s get the refinery going again so we can put Townsville first and continue to help great local groups like Townsville Gymnastics reach their goals,’’ Mr Palmer said.

ENDS