The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have coordinated a multi-faceted plan to support the people of Ingham, Tully, and Cardwell following the devastating flood event earlier this month.
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the combined efforts of the football club, commercial partners Toyota and XXXX, the Cowboys Community Foundation and Queensland Country Bank Stadium would result in more than $60,000 in funds, tickets and equipment being distributed to impacted North Queenslanders.
Cowboys Flood Assistance Package
- Rugby League Club: $10,000 to the Herbert River Crushers. Donation has been matched by Platinum Partner XXXX meaning the senior and junior rugby league clubs will receive a combined $20,000.
- First Home Game Tickets: 250 double passes valued at $20,000 for affected residents donated by the Cowboys Football Club > Register for complimentary tickets
- Cowboys Community Foundation: $10,000 directed to the GIVIT 2025 Flood appeal. Donation has been matched by Cowboys Principal Partner Toyota bringing total donation to GIVIT of $20,000.
- Cowboys Leagues Club: $5,000 to the Clubs Queensland Clubs Care campaign supporting flood-affected areas.
“It’s devastating to see the damage the flooding left behind and it’s important to us, as North Queenslanders, to step up and help our own,” Jeff said.
“Rugby league clubs like the Herbert River Crushers are the beating hearts of their communities, so we will be providing a cash donation directly to both the senior and junior clubs, as well as delivering some football equipment to help them back on their feet,” he said.
“We know watching the Cowboys is an opportunity for fans to take a break from the pressures and burdens of their daily lives, so we will be providing 250 double passes valued at over $20,000 for affected residents to attend our Home Opener against the Sharks on Saturday 15 March. We hope for at least that 80 minutes they can forget about what they’re going through and enjoy a night surrounded by a community that cares about them.
“Our charity arm, the Cowboys Community Foundation, will redirect $10,000 in funds already raised through the Containers for Change program at home games to the GIVIT 2025 North & Far North Qld Floods appeal. This donation is made possible thanks to Queensland Country Bank Stadium’s innovative recycling program and their nomination of the Cowboys Community Foundation as the charity recipient of funds generated at Cowboys home games.
“We are incredibly thankful Cowboys Principal Partner Toyota and Platinum Partner XXXX have offered to match the club’s cash donations which means a total of $20,000 will be provided to the Herbert River Crushers and $20,000 will be provided to GIVIT. Both partners have been with us through many ups and downs, and we are heartened by their willingness to help our community. It is an absolute testament to their genuine commitment to the Cowboys family.
“We’d also like to recognise the support and generosity of the Maroons Foundation who today announced a $53,000 distribution of funds to impacted rugby league clubs, made possible with the backing of the QRL, NRL, and all three SEQ NRL teams - the Broncos, Dolphins and Titans.”
Eligible residents wishing to claim their complimentary tickets can register by completing this form > Register now.
If you would like to support the GIVIT North Queensland Flood Appeal, donate here.
Fiona Pelling – CEO Cowboys Community Foundation
“At the Cowboys Community Foundation, we are constantly humbled by the generosity and resilience of North Queenslanders. There are so many people struggling in the aftermath of the flooding and through the GIVIT campaign we can distribute our funds to who and where they are most needed. The platform also allows for donations of specific items to those who lost everything from pillowcases and towels to mattresses and white goods, every little bit helps.”
Sean Hanley – Vice President of Sales and Marketing Toyota Australia
"At Toyota, we are committed to standing by our communities in times of need. The floods have deeply impacted North and Far North Queensland communities, and it’s important to help affected residents rebuild and recover. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we hope the GIVIT 2025 Flood Appeal donation will provide meaningful support where it’s needed most.”
James Brindley – Managing Director Lion Australia
“XXXX has been supporting Queenslanders for over 140 years and has a strong history of helping the community when it needs it most. We are proud to be a part of this Cowboys initiative both as a partner to the team, but also as a show of support for those impacted in the Ingham floods. We give a XXXX about Queenslanders and hope our donations will help those who are doing it tough and provide some much-needed assistance in getting back on their feet.”
Chris Stains – CEO GIVIT
“We’re so grateful to the Cowboys Community Foundation and Toyota for their very generous donation to the GIVIT North and Far North Queensland Flood Appeal. GIVIT is working with frontline organisations in flood impacted regions to find out exactly what’s needed, and we will continue to work in these communities for as long as this recovery takes. Whether it’s grocery and fuel vouchers, cleaning products, tools or whitegoods, every donation makes a real difference to someone affected by this disaster.”
Matty Chiesa – Senior President Herbert River Crushers
“The Cowboys donations will make a huge difference to the morale of the community and make the task of rebuilding a lot less daunting. We get through hard times by getting back to normal and this contribution from the Cowboys will help us return to playing footy and be a huge boost to morale in our community. Flood waters caused extensive damage to both our junior and senior grounds, club facilities and equipment. We were under almost two metres of water, we lost everything from jerseys to tractors, and the emotional impact of seeing a club you love destroyed really takes its toll. It’s heartwarming to see the rugby league community rallying behind grassroots clubs and we’re extremely grateful and hopeful to now have our seniors and juniors back on the paddock this upcoming season.”
Ben Ikin – CEO Queensland Rugby League
“When our rugby league family in North Queensland got hit hard by the recent weather events it didn’t take long for the rest of the family to rally. Our three NRL clubs in southeast Queensland joined with people from all over the state to make donations to the Maroons Foundation relief fund, which we know will make a huge difference to the clubs and families who have been impacted. Rugby league people certainly know how to help each other in tough times, it’s the thing I love most about this game.”
