Citywide Gold Coast appeal for victims of Dreamworld disaster launches with $100,000
THIS week’s' theme park disaster left a hole in our hearts. Now 10 leading locals are donating $100,000 to give the victims’ families a brighter future. And you can join them.
Gold Coast
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THE Gold Coast community has opened its heart to the families, emergency services and staff involved in Tuesday’s Dreamworld tragedy and now it is being asked to lend financial support as well.
Ten local organisations pledged $10,000 each to the pot yesterday, bringing the total to $100,000 before the appeal was even launched.
Every dollar donated will go towards people affected by the tragedy through the Red Cross-approved portal, GIVIT.
The Gold Coast Titans, Mantra Group, Hot Tomato, Bond University, Gold Coast Airport, Gold Coast Tourism, The Star Entertainment Group, City of Gold Coast, Ramsay Health and the Bulletin each pledged $10,000 last night.
Bulletin editor Scott Thompson said the warmth of the Gold Coast community had been demonstrated during the week and the city would continue to support those who needed it.
“The Gold Coast community is deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts go out to the families,” he said.
“We cannot begin to imagine their grief right now, but what we can do as a community is join together and put our arm around them, as well as the Dreamworld staff, the emergency workers and one another.”
Donations to the official appeal are tax deductible and can be made through givit.org.au, or at Westpac branches.
To manage distribution of the funds, an independent appeal committee will be established with members from local organisations, government, council, experts and agencies.
GIVIT, a national not-for-profit, is funded by the Queensland Government to manage the donation of goods and services in times of disaster.
It does not charge administration fees or claim costs associated with the management of the appeal.
Hot Tomato boss Hans Torv
“HOT Tomato has been inundated with listeners expressing compassion and caring for the children and families so tragically affected by this. It’s a great Australian tradition to lend a hand, it also helps community healing if those communities can chip in and do something to help. I can say our HT team and listeners are proud to join other Gold Coasters and businesses in contributing to help alleviate future needs of these families.”
Vice Chancellor and President of Bond University Professor Tim Brailsford
“LIKE many in our community, Dreamworld has been part of the lives of our students over many years, either enjoying a memorable day or working at the park. The Bond community feels this tragedy deeply and shares the sorrow of so many.”
“We want to reach to the two families to let them know they are not alone in this moment. “We hope that our small contribution will inspire others to provide for the families and particularly those brave young children so that they have the best possible opportunity of a bright future which they so much deserve.”
Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan
“THIS city, and the tourism industry in particular, are all about taking care of our visitors and we have been devastated by what has happened.
“The most important thing is to take care of the families, staff and first responders and making a contribution to the children's’ future welfare.”
Gold Coast Bulletin general manager Clare Starling
“STAFF here at the Bulletin, like all Gold Coasters, were so shocked by what happened in our city, and we wanted to do whatever we could to help the children of this tragedy, to give them a beautiful future,” she said.
“Our strength is in the numbers of people we reach every day, and in our connections to business leaders, so we are in the perfect position to co-ordinate the city’s efforts to support the families of those affected.
“We know nothing we can do will bring these much-loved people back to their families, but if we can at least take away some of their financial pressures, it will be one less thing for them to worry about.”
Gold Coast Titans CEO Graham Annesley
“THIS has been absolutely devastating for the families and for the entire Gold Coast community.
“As a football club, we’re nothing without the support of the community — and that is a two-way street, so when the community needs us, we’ll be there.”
The Star Entertainment Group Queensland managing director Geoff Hogg
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those involved and our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time. We’ve been committed to the Gold Coast community for the past three decades and have no hesitation in supporting initiatives to comfort those impacted by the Dreamworld tragedy.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate
“THE purpose for this fund is to ensure the children of those lost do not miss out on any opportunities in life. I know the Gold Coast community is grieving right now and I know many residents are concerned about the future of the children. This is one way we can come together and start to heal.
“Importantly, this is the start and my wish is that this community drive is revisited yearly so their needs are met. We leave no one behind.”
Mantra CEO Bob East
“The tourism industry is a tight knit organisation and the Mantra team was fully committed to supporting the families affected by this tragedy.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to donate to the families affected and our thoughts are also with the team members and first responders at Dreamworld.”
Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton
“THIS tragic event has touched the hearts of Gold Coasters, and indeed all Australians. One of our greatest strengths as a city is our ability and willingness to rally and support those in need. “It’s particularly heartwarming to see the way we have come together as a community in the wake of this tragedy.
“On behalf of the Gold Coast Airport team I express our deepest sympathies to the families involved in this tragedy, particularly the children. I hope this financial support goes some way to easing financial burden at this difficult time and sends a message to the families that as a city we are committed to supporting them.”
Trish Hogan, Ramsay Health Gold Coast
“This touches all of us. It’s something you never expect to happen when you’re having a fun day out with your family.
“At Ramsay Health Gold Coast, Pindara and John Flynn hospitals we are deeply, deeply moved by this tragic turn of events.”
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