JBS Australia Pty Limited as the leading player in the Australian meat processing and food manufacturing sectors will donate $1 million to the Australian Volunteer Trust, established by the Business Council of Australia in partnership with Equity Trustees.

The Trust will be a permanent and ongoing fund to support the children of volunteers who have died in fighting the current fires and any future major disasters.

The Chief Executive Officer of JBS, Brent Eastwood announced the donation today in Brisbane.

“The impact of the fires has been significant, and devastated communities across mainland eastern states. Through our business we have a direct contact and long term relationships with many livestock producers and communities in these affected areas,” he said.

“Importantly, our donation to the Trust will support the children of volunteers who have died in fighting these fires and any future major disasters.

“As a member of the Business Council we are right behind this Initiative and see it as an important way to acknowledge the role and sacrifices made by volunteers in the hard work they undertake and dangers they face in combating natural disasters.

“As the CEO of a business employing over 12,000 people across five Australian states, we understand the importance of a safe working environment and making sure our people go home to their families in the same way they arrived to work,” Mr Eastwood said.

“Unfortunately, we have seen with these fires and other recent natural disasters such as floods, there are times when volunteer lives are lost in the line of duty and families are forever impacted. The Trust represents a vehicle to support these families and especially the children of these volunteers through their education.”