Suncorp’s new Mobile Disaster Response Hubs get help to communities faster, for longer
Suncorp is showing up for its customers in the moments that matter most, with the launch of five new purpose-built Mobile Disaster Response Hubs enabling teams to get on the ground faster, and stay for longer, to support communities following natural disasters.
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Introducing the newest members of the Suncorp family - Larry, Yasi, Debbie, Marcia and Jasper.
Suncorp has developed a fleet of five custom-designed Mobile Disaster Response Hubs to enhance support for customers impacted by natural hazards. Each hub takes its namesake from cyclones as a tribute to the resilience of Queensland communities, and each has an important job to do.
Suncorp Executive General Manager Home Claims Customers Alli Smith said the mobile hubs, built by leading Queensland caravan manufacturer Spinifex, were designed to get Suncorp teams where they’re most needed following a natural hazard event.
“At Suncorp, building futures and protecting what matters is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to offer industry-leading experiences for our customers and communities,” she said.
Suncorp Executive General Manager Home Claims Customers, Alli Smith
These hubs are a gamechanger as they’ll enable us to get on the ground faster and stay for longer in local communities with our customers when natural disasters hit.
“We can’t prevent weather events from happening, but we can be on the ground quicky when they do.
The hubs are built to be self-sufficient and resilient in harsh disaster conditions with off-road capabilities, including off-grid power supply and Wi-Fi, 48-volt solar battery banks, and a back-up generator. Inside they are designed to offer a safe and comfortable space for customers to talk to specialist Suncorp teams about claims progression, emergency payments and accommodation.
Suncorp Executive Manager Disaster Management Lilly Broodbank said the custom design centred around what customers needed most at the time of an event.
“A lot of consideration went into the interior design, especially safety, with two ergonomic workstations, an open plan layout which includes features like a kitchenette, tea and coffee, a fridge for cold water, and guest Wi-Fi and charging stations for customers,” she said.
“We know our customers are often traumatised following a natural hazard event, so the hubs will be equipped with our full suite of educational brochures which we find customers appreciate because they can digest the information in their own time.”
The artwork featured on the exterior of the Mobile Disaster Response Hubs was created by First Nations digital artist Zoe Raymond.
Suncorp was pleased to engage local First Nations artist Zoe Raymond to design the artwork on the exterior of the hubs.
“As a Queenslander, being affected by natural disasters throughout my life, it's nice to be able to tie in my love for art as well as something that's so important to the community," Ms Raymond said.
"In those dark times dealing with natural disasters, I'm hoping that my artwork can bring some light into the situation.”
A lot of consideration went into Ms Raymond’s digital illustration. It depicts mountains with symbols that are representative of fire, smoke and flowing water to show flooding. There are also symbols that represent the Suncorp team, connected by lines that symbolise their travel to each destination in the mobile hubs.
The Suncorp Customer Support Teams are often the first on the ground following a natural disaster and will be using the new hubs soon.
Glenda Edwards is an Advisor in Suncorp’s Disaster Management Team and a dedicated member of the Customer Support Team. She has become familiar with the features of the newly launched Mobile Disaster Response Hubs Larry and Yasi and is prepared to be on ground when natural disasters strike, with one of the hubs literally in tow.
“These hubs will make a difference because for the first time, we'll be able to get on the ground and go to areas where possibly we haven't been able to go before. And we can give our customers the best service that they need,” she said.