Community Bank Boost Brings Police ATV Closer To Reality

A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. Photo supplied.

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Contributed with thanks by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr.

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The funding will support the Rotary Club of Home Hill's major 2026 project to purchase an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for local Queensland Police, helping officers reach rural and difficult to access locations across the district.

Rotary has set a fundraising target of $40,000 for the project, with the Community Bank contribution providing an important boost as the club moves closer to achieving its goal. The club hopes to present the ATV to local police during October.

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Rotary Club of Home Hill President Clive Williams said the idea emerged after local police officers attended one of the club's weekly meetings and spoke about the need for an ATV.

Police had previously sought funding through normal government channels but had been unsuccessful due to budget constraints. Recognising the difference such a vehicle could make locally, Rotary decided it was a project worth getting behind.

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The ATV would provide police with greater access during floods, disasters and other incidents, particularly in locations such as cane fields, beaches, river areas and other terrain that can be difficult to reach using conventional vehicles.

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Mr Williams said having the equipment based locally was particularly important for the Burdekin.

“For me, it’s about having the right equipment here when our police need it, rather than waiting for an ATV to come from Townsville,” he said.

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“The Burdekin has plenty of challenging terrain and, particularly during a flood or other emergency, having those wheels on the ground locally can make a real difference to response times and community safety.”

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The project has the potential to benefit people right across the district.

For a community service organisation such as Rotary, Mr Williams said a $15,000 contribution represented an enormous step forward.

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Not only does it provide considerable momentum towards the $40,000 target, but it also demonstrates the value local organisations and businesses can have.

The club continues to support local charities and organisations, youth initiatives including the RYDA road safety program, and community events such as the Mega Markets and Home Hill Harvest Festival Rotary Ball. Recent financial support has also been provided to CORES, St Vincent de Paul and the Burdekin Chaplaincy.

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“There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that the money raised by local people and businesses stays here and is turned into something that makes a tangible difference to our neighbours, families and the wider community,” Mr Williams said.

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With only a few thousand dollars now remaining to reach the target, Rotary Club of Home Hill is encouraging local businesses and community members who would like to support the project to contribute to its GoFundMe campaign.

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For Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, supporting the project reflects its commitment to ensuring money generated within the community continues to create benefits for the people who live there.  

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