Celebrating Volunteer Week: Meet Three Suncorp ‘Sun Chaser’ Volunteers

Jessica Semple’s warmth, compassion, and empathy shine through when she is helping insurance customers, injured in car accidents, navigate the CTP process. Turns out they shine just as bright when she’s ‘off duty’ too, on her Toogoolawah acreage, caring for vulnerable farm animals who desperately need her help.

Whether at work in her Suncorp polo, or in her dusty boots on the farm, Jessica supports with rehabilitation and recovery journeys, so humans and animals alike are equipped with the support they need to move forward positively with their lives. 

In both roles, Jessica finds purpose and fulfillment, and is grateful for the balance and flexibility Suncorp Group provides her. 

“There have been a few, rare times where I have been required to leave work unexpectedly due to an animal emergency, and my leaders have been supportive.” “I know if an animal emergency arises, I will be met with understanding and empathy from my team.”

Jessica partners with Cranky’s Farm Rescue to rehabilitate and rehome farm animals  

Cranky’s Farm Rescue is a registered charity which rescues and cares for neglected and/or unwanted farm animals such as pigs, chickens, cows, horses, ducks, and goats. Some have been surrendered by their owners, others have disabilities, and sadly, many have experienced abuse. 

Jessica and her partner Adam, a veteran, are volunteers who support Cranky's by taking in rescued animals that need help, giving them medical attention and care, and sometimes adoption. 

Unfortunately, Jessica predicts it to be a growing area of need in the community, as the cost-of-living crisis makes it harder for some animal owners to adequately provide care, especially for animals with complicated health needs.  

“Most rescue groups, like our partner Cranky’s, receive thousands of emails a week about animals needing homes or rescuing,” she said.  

Jessica and Adam’s goal is to expand Cranky’s ability to help more animals, and their new forty-acre property at Toogoolawah is well set up for this, with dog proof fencing, night yards and specialised enclosures for rescued animals. They are also designing a large playground that will be disability-accessible for Summer, their beloved rescue goat, who loves to play.

Animal rescue volunteering can be heartbreaking, but is incredibly worthwhile  

In the world of animal rescuing there is often more heartbreak than success stories like Summer’s, but it is all worth it, according to Jessica. 

"I do it for the purpose that it gives me. We often say that when we rescue an animal, they save us right back,” she said. 

“I need animals to ‘fill my cup,’ and Adam does too.” 

Adam previously served in Afghanistan and suffered from PTSD. Jessica explained that one of the biggest impacts of animal rescue volunteering was how it had helped Adam’s mental health.  

“It was like volunteering lit a fire in him and gave him a new purpose in life,” she said. 

“All the positives outweigh the negative, and we can’t wait to continue to welcome more rescue animals to our property, as we continue to build our capacity over time.” 

“And having an employer that supports me to do this, that’s really special.” 

WARNING: This article contains references to mental health and suicide.

It is a situation Aaron knows well, having experienced a difficult journey after his own separation years ago, which later inspired him to take on a volunteer role within DiDs. 

“The struggles that dads share create a deep level of empathy in my soul that drives me to ensure they receive the most appropriate support and ideas that the group can provide,” he said. 

The free, weekly group sessions are especially beneficial in regional areas, where many parents may find it difficult to readily access mental health support services. Aaron leads a group in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

Data released in 2020 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health services decreased dramatically as the distance from capital cities increased.   

While PBB does not replace the role of a psychologist or counsellor, many attendees find it beneficial to be part of the support group while also seeking professional mental health support.

“It is extremely rewarding to know that I can support dads through difficult separations. Their children, their previous partners, and the community in general, all benefit from improved wellbeing of attendees,” he said. 

“It is an honour to be part of this extremely caring organisation.”  

Aaron is also grateful to Suncorp Group for providing him with the flexibility to pursue his volunteering role.  

"Having flexible hours of work has provided me with the time I need to lead my DiDs group, while also building my skills and knowledge.”

You would never guess Livi was once a very shy child, and that it was joining Scouts Australia as a five-year-old that helped build her confidence, capabilities, and leadership skills. Today, Livi gives back to Scouts in a volunteer leader role, teaching the youngest Scouts cohort – the five-to-seven-year-old ‘Joeys’ group - practical survival skills that build confidence, resilience and critical thinking.

“Scouts Australia is all about empowering youth to learn every kind of skill they need for real life as adults,” Livi said.

“It covers leadership and survival skills, with a teaching focus on resilience, innovation and taking initiative. It’s about building confidence. 

Livi spends about one hour per week leading the Joeys group, plus time spent preparing the weekly program, and supporting regular Scouts camping trips.  

“They learn how to build things, how to camp and survival skills, like what to do if they are lost on a hike.”  

Livi also admits to tying a lot of shoelaces.  

“There's so much that we're able to teach them, and I think kids are underestimated at this age. But they are tiny little sponges absorbing everything,” she said.   

Innovation in teaching is important too, and Livi creates games to help Joeys learn new skills.  

“Scouts is very highly outdoor based. There is something about the fresh air and the possibility of exploring that is beneficial for young children, as well as following rules and structure,” she said.  

“We’ve been told that psychiatrists will recommend parents of neurodivergent kids to Scouts, because of the consistent structure, where everyone should feel safe and included.”  

Inclusion is also an important part of the Suncorp Group culture that Livi admires.  

“I've always loved the Suncorp culture. I finished my degree early because I loved working here so much,” she said.  

“I don’t feel like I am working for a big corporate company - it feels like we're trying to give back to the environment, the people; like we are working on building a better future for everyone.”  

Suncorp Group’s culture also supports Livi’s work life balance, enabling her to volunteer her time each week with the Joey Scouts.   

“There's a lot of autonomy and power that Suncorp gives to people that is reflective of the internal culture. We are encouraged to help our teammates just as much as we are supported in going outside of the organisation to help the community,” she said.  

“I will be probably one of the longest-tenured Scouts in Australia at one point in my life, and I'm totally comfortable with that!”