Distributing bushfire funding to the communities that need it most
The recent bushfire emergency has devastated communities right across the country. In the wake of this national crisis, it's crucial we continue to support affected communities.
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Suncorp is committed to being there for our customers in times of need, as well as building resilience for the major changes communities might face in the future, including natural disasters.
Through these organisations, donations will aid these regions both now and into the future, helping rebuild the communities that have been affected by bushfire.
How our donations are helping where they’re needed most
Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal exists to help improve the lives of individuals and communities in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia. Through donations via government, philanthropy, private sector and individual donations, the FRRR plays a crucial role in the ongoing investment of regional communities. Bushfire donations to the FRRR will support the immediate, medium and long term recovery of communities impacted by the current bushfires through its flexible Strengthening Rural Communities program.
Addressing the medium to long-term needs of the communities the FRRR supports, Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive Officer of FRRR said; "FRRR will provide support through its Strengthening Rural Communities program, which can fund a wide range of needs including enhancing a local emergency shelter, or implementing a UHF radio system so that people can stay in touch during the next emergency. For others, it will be for support to relieve volunteer fatigue. In other places, the most significant need might be for mental health support."
Australian Red Cross
Suncorp Group supports the Australian Red Cross to deliver emergency assistance to communities affected by disaster. As well as helping place specially trained Red Cross volunteers in evacuation centres and helping locate displaced family members through their Register Find Unite service, funds contribute to the charity’s ongoing care to individuals during times of acute stress.
Country Fire Service Foundation (SA)
The Country Fire Service Foundation provides financial aid to the thousands of civilian CFS volunteers who donate their time to protect their communities in times of bushfire emergency.
Funding helps support individuals and their families impacted by death, injury, mental health and loss or damage of property while in the line of duty.
Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services Association of WA
The Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service Association of WA represents over 90 fire and rescue brigades across the state of Western Australia.
Funding supports the discipline of volunteer firefighters and the improvement of firefighting skills, as well as develop a community understanding and knowledge for the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
"The generous donation from AAMI will enable our Brigades and their members to build resilience through the introduction of enhanced training programs and to better equip our volunteers with the tools needed for them to complete the often technical tasks associated with the Fire and Rescue role", said Ken O’Reilly, Executive Officer of Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services Association of WA.
Country Fire Authority (VIC)
CFA is a volunteer and community-based fire and emergency services organisation, aiding in the prevention, response and recovery of fire emergency. The CFA exists state-wide, working with local communities with the coordination and execution of wildfire suppression, road rescue, technical rescue and hazardous material transportation.
Queensland Fire & Emergency Services
The QFES exists to protect people, property and the environment through the delivery of emergency services, community programs and preparedness and incident response and recovery.
The QFES’ 2,200 permanent firefighters are supported by 36,000 Rural Fire Service volunteers, 6000 State Emergency Service volunteers, and over 2000 auxiliary firefighters and non-operational staff.
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS)
Responding to and providing emergency services to over 95% of NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) responds to various emergencies including natural disasters, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and storm damage. Members of the NSW RFS are trained to very high levels of competence to ensure they know what to do in an emergency.
The Service aims to reduce the likelihood and consequence of fires occurring. This involves comprehensive risk management programs to reduce bush fire hazards, reduce fire ignitions and the development of regulations for bushfire-prone areas.
Suncorp Employee Donations
Currently, Suncorp employee donations have reached $100,000, supporting several charities chosen by individual donors. These organisations include St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, GIVIT, Australian Red Cross, Foodbank, Country Fire Authority, NSW Rural Fire Service, WWF, Wildcare Australia, WIRES wildlife rescue, and Wildlife Victoria.
Recently, our Queensland-based teams volunteered at a local Foodbank, packing food hampers for firefighters and volunteers on the frontline.
