Biggest ever community beneficiary donation

THE largest donation in Port to Park history has been made with Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) awarding $50,000 to two worthy Central Queensland groups as part of this year’s community beneficiary.

Locals will now have two more reasons to register for CQ’s biggest run on Sunday August 20.

Roseberry House and Youth Insearch Foundation have been chosen as this year’s Port to Park community beneficiaries, for their outstanding commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable youth in our community.

Both groups will receive a share in the $50,000 funding with GPC’s CEO Craig Haymes set to award the cheques on race day.

The funding will enable both groups to expand their services and develop new initiatives including Roseberry’s new Homeless Hub on Hanson Road – a first point of access for people struggling to find housing or facing homelessness.

GPC CEO Craig Haymes said the financial support will bolster their efforts in providing much-needed assistance and guidance to at-risk youth in the Gladstone region and make positive change for the future.

“At GPC, we are passionate about making a difference and investing in the future of our community and this includes supporting at-risk youth,” Mr Haymes said.

“The funding is vital, for Roseberry House it will provide a safe space for people to talk and access services and support including access to food, showers and clean clothes. These are essential needs for people,”

“For Youth Insearch Foundation, the funding will assist them in organising more workshops and mentoring sessions, inspiring lasting change in the lives of our youth,”

“Together, we can create a more promising future for young people in the region,” he said.

GPC CEO Craig Haymes said supporting Roseberry Queensland and the Youth Insearch Foundation is just the start of how GPC is making a healthy impact in the community through Port to Park.

“World and Olympic champion hurdler Sally Pearson is also helping kick-start the event this year at the start line to sound the race horn for thousands of runners,” he said.

“We need all the help we can get to encourage the entire region to lace up for these worthy causes, give back to schools and the community and make a real difference to our health in such a fun and healthy way.”

Roseberry Queensland’s Acting General Manager Wendy Marsten said the funding will have an enormous impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous funding through Port to Park and GPC and sponsors,” Ms Marsten said.

“This funding means we will be able to provide additional support and resources to help our most vulnerable overcome challenges and build a better future for themselves,” she said.

Youth Insearch Foundation’s Regional Manager, Donna Ryan said the funding will help the organisation on their mission to empower youth.

“This funding will enable us to continue empowering young people to break negative cycles and create lasting change, reaching their full potential,” Ms Ryan said.

Roseberry Queensland offers a range of crucial services, including counselling, mentoring, and educational support, to help young people facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, and family breakdowns.

The Youth Insearch Foundation specialises in providing transformative workshops and peer support programs that encourage at-risk youth to overcome adversity, develop resilience, and lead positive lives.

For more information, and to register for the Port to Park Fun Run to support these community beneficiaries, please visit https://live-gpcl.pantheonsite.io/community/port-to-park/