Viva Energy Australia (“Viva Energy”) has pledged $100,000 to Australian Red Cross in support of their drought social support and recovery activities. The program aims to lift the morale of farming families and communities, with a focus on maintaining good mental health and wellbeing in the face of an ongoing drought, particularly in NSW and QLD.
Viva Energy’s CEO Scott Wyatt said, “Farming forms the backbone of our country and with large parts of Australia now struggling through one of the worst droughts on record, it is humbling to be part of the commendable efforts that Australian Red Cross is making to support individual and community well-being.
“Through our community program’s focus on mental health, we recognise the importance of supporting long-term well-being. We hope our contribution makes a difference to the rural communities experiencing hardship and distress and that the support provided through Australian Red Cross and others helps to secure the future of the next generation of farmers.”
Red Cross National Resilience Advisor John Richardson said, “Farmers show remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, but this is no ordinary drought. Thanks to Viva Energy’s generous contribution, Red Cross will provide vital social support services to ensure good mental health and wellbeing in what’s one of the toughest dry spells we’ve ever seen.”
Viva Energy’s support for drought affected farming communities will go towards:
- Establishment of resilience sessions in schools;
- Training local leaders in psychological first aid, with an emphasis on the drought;
- Ongoing support for ‘Let’s Talk’ programs in NSW, and potential extension of the program into QLD, and other states, helping people stay connected and cope with stress.
- Establishment of resilience workshops in local communities; and
- Training local service providers and volunteers.
About Viva Energy
Viva Energy is one of Australia’s leading energy companies and supplies approximately a quarter of the country’s liquid fuel requirements. It is the exclusive supplier of high quality Shell fuels and lubricants in Australia through an extensive network of more than 1,100 Shell branded service stations across the country.
Viva Energy owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery, in Victoria, which converts imported and locally sourced crude oil into petroleum products including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, gas, solvents, bitumen and other specialty products.
Viva Energy operates bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals and lubricants businesses supported by a nationwide fuel supply chain with an extensive import, storage and distribution infrastructure network, including a presence at 52 airports and airfields. Visit www.vivaenergy.com.au