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Brisbane Airport has long been a committed partner to the Arts and culture scene in Brisbane, and 2025 will mark some exciting...
Ten years ago, Brisbane and South East Queensland were devastated by floods, an event many people consider to be one of the most awful disasters in our city’s recent history.
Yet, from the very first reports of the flooding, the Brisbane community came together to help and assist the large numbers of people impacted.
Some of these have continued to support their local community ever since, like Connected Inc, a recent recipient of Brisbane Airport’s Community Giving Fund.
Connected Inc is a not-for-profit charity based in Virginia, a short drive from Brisbane Airport, that was first set up as a collection point for donations to assist people impacted by the floods.
Celebrating their 10th Anniversary earlier this year, they now provide services to a broad range of the community, assisting people affected by homelessness, domestic violence and the disadvantaged.
Connected Inc run “one of Brisbane’s biggest and best Op shops” a thriving Men’s Shed and is an NDIS service provider.
They also support our Pacific neighbours. To date, they have shipped, or contributed to, over sixty shipping containers filled with essential items, school supplies, medical supplies and clothing to places like Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They even recently assisted with filling a shipping container with clothing and kitchen supplies that was headed to Sierra Leone.
Wayne Malmstone, Connected Inc’s General Manager, has been involved with the organisation for approximately five years, starting as a volunteer. His passion for the work they do is abundantly clear.
“What motivates me is knowing the positive outcomes our Charity makes in so many people’s lives, quite often when they have had no control over the circumstances that have led them to be in the position they find themselves in.”
He is quick to recognise the team of volunteers and staff that are the driving force behind everything Connected Inc has been able to achieve.
“As is the case in virtually every charitable organisation, its success rests with not one individual, but a myriad of people who have that genuine desire to give back to their community and to make a difference no matter how small or big it may be.”
The impact of COVID-19 has challenged many sectors, including charities like Connected Inc, who do not receive any government funding. Last year during COVID lockdowns, Connected Inc was one of the few places in Brisbane that remained open to provide services to the community. However, decreased patronage to the Op Shop has put substantial strain on the charity and their ability to continue to assist their community.
Brisbane Airport’s Community Giving Fund was used to undertake a full service on their delivery truck and install new batteries.
“Our truck plays a pivotal role in delivery of donated items to the core sectors we assist, that being, families affected by domestic violence and the homeless. We also use our truck to deliver items sold through our OP Shop and for collection (when possible) of donated items.”
There are a few ways people can help Connected Inc to continue to support the local community:
- Visit their amazing Op Shop. #HotTip – follow their facebook page for weekly specials!
- Donate items that are in good, usable condition.
- Volunteer your time.
We look forward to hearing about how Connected Inc is supporting the local community for many more years to come.
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