Million dollar winners and all in the name of safety

Mackay: There are now a million reasons for Ergon Energy employees to work safely in their job – not only are they helping themselves, they’re helping the community, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson, in Mackay this weekend with the Premier, her Cabinet and the state’s senior public servants for Community Cabinet, handed over a cheque to local community groups.

“It’s great to be here to listen to Queenslanders’ concerns on their own home turf. It’s also great to be able to help out worthwhile community groups,” Mr Wilson said.

The cheque handover came about through Ergon’s Power Aid initiative, where staff raise money for local community groups by working safely.

“Staff teams earn points for safe work practices. Ergon converts the points into dollars and the staff members donate the dollars to organisations like Dragons Abreast Mackay, a breast cancer support group.

“Today is a milestone for Power Aid. It’s delivered more than a million dollars to community groups around the state.

“I take my hat off to Ergon workers. It’s great to see their efforts to maintain a safe workforce bring tangible benefits to local community groups.

Some of the Mackay community groups that have been helped over the four years of Power Aid include Camp Quality, the Dumbleton Rural Fire Brigade, KidsCan, Dragons Abreast Mackay, Meals on Wheels – Mackay and Proserpine, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter, Angel Flight, Prostrate Cancer Foundation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Mackay Disability Enhancement Fund.

“More than $340,000 has been handed out across Ergon Energy’s Central region,” Mr Wilson said.

Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin said the main aim of Power Aid was to ensure that staff were safe at work and would return home safely to their families and friends.

“It’s heartening and rewarding to see the good that can come out of something like this,” Mr Mulherin said.

“It’s great to be able to make a difference.

“Ergon staff do a fantastic job in our community and reaching the million dollar milestone highlights how much Ergon supports us in our everyday lives,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office 3225 1819