AFTER the devastating fires throughout North and North-West Queensland, Bendigo Bank has launched the Far North Queensland Bushfire Appeal to support Gulf graziers who have been affected by the recent devastating bushfires.
About 2 million hectares of grazing land has been burnt out by the fire, mainly affecting pastures, leaving graziers with limited food supply for their breeding stock according to acting state manager, Queensland, Kate Wakeling.
"The bank's appeal was launched with a $100,000 donation by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh to help those in the Gulf region who have been severely affected," Ms Wakeling said.
"We thank the minister for his support and generous donation to launch the appeal."
"I've seen the devastation first hand and know what's needed to help the graziers and the extended dry season before the fires has compounded the problems facing station owners with almost no pasture available," Mr McVeigh said.
"The appeal will help get supplies to our producers where it is needed."
Bendigo Bank's staff from Queensland's 96 branches did their bit to help raise funds for the appeal with a Casual for a Cause Day in Dceember.
Staff dressed in casual clothes for a gold coin donation to the appeal.
"On behalf of the graziers affected by the fire I would encourage everyone to support this appeal and to donate to this worthy cause," Ms Wakeling said.
