STAFF WRITERS
AGL Loy Yang donated $10,000 to Quantum Support Services as part of the company’s support for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Quantum Support Services is one of the leading family violence and homelessness services supporting people across Gippsland. The funding will contribute to the delivery of the Inspiring Women Program.
The program aims to support those that are impacted by gender-based violence through education on family violence and gender inequality, increase women’s understanding of interpersonal relationships, increase self-esteem and resilience, and break the intergenerational transmission of family violence-related trauma.
Speaking at the lighting up of Loy Yang A’s Tower 2 in support of the 16 Days of Activism last year, Loy Yang A General Manager, Christo Van Niekerk said companies like AGL can play an important role in supporting the community.
“At AGL Loy Yang we have supported the 16 Days of Activism with educational sessions and toolbox talks for our people to increase awareness and understanding of support available, and (tonight) we light Tower 2 to draw attention to this important campaign,” he said.
“The funding for Quantum Support Services will help them to deliver the Inspiring Women Program which provides fantastic support for women who have experienced family violence across the Latrobe Valley. It will help them to rebuild and get back on their feet.”
Quantum Support Services Chief Operations Officer, Cindy Pullar commended AGL for its approach to engaging their workforce.
“One critical action we can all take to end violence against women and children is to become an active bystander,” Ms Pullar said.
“It is important to have the tools to safely speak up and challenge gender-based violence in the workplace. The number of women killed each year by a current or ex-intimate partner continues to rise. As a community we need to elevate our collective voices and continue to take action to raise awareness and stop violence.”
Ms Pullar said the Inspiring Women’s Group has been independently evaluated as making a significant difference to the lives of women who have experienced family violence.
“Unfortunately due to not receiving government funding, we had to cease the program in June 2024. We continually receive enquiries from women who have heard of the group, including professionals wanting to make referrals,” she said.
“Thanks to this generous donation from AGL, we are beyond excited to be able to recommence the program in early 2025. This donation will enable victim-survivors to continue to get the support they need while we seek ongoing funding.”
AGL Loy Yang also supported the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, bringing together employees and contractors working on-site during a recent planned Unit 4 outage project.
The collective efforts resulted in significant contributions to families in need this holiday season.
Site operator AGL, donated $50,000 worth of food hampers and gift cards to the Latrobe Valley Salvation Army, helping ensure that local families could enjoy a festive meal and receive much-needed support at Christmas.
A car full of gifts was also donated by Loy Yang workers, further demonstrating the site’s collective generosity and Christmas spirit.
The contributions directly supported the Salvation Army’s efforts to bring joy and comfort to families across the region at Christmas.
Service Stream, a key contractor on the outage project, led an on-site fundraising effort, raising more than $5000. This initiative was bolstered by workers on site from LV Industries, WACO, BMC, Siemens and AGL. An amazing effort and wonderful show of collaboration on site.
AGL employees also volunteered their time during a special volunteer day on Monday, December 9, 2024 to sort hampers and gifts, with 20 volunteers lending their hands to the cause.
Latrobe Valley Salvation Army Team Leader, Lenore Pack said the Salvos were incredibly grateful for the support received from AGL.
“AGL Loy Yang and the site’s unwavering support of the Christmas Appeal is deeply appreciated,” she said.
“We know many families in our community are doing it tough this Christmas and thanks to AGL, their contractors, and the workers who have contributed, we can make this holiday season a little brighter for families in need.”
