This ANZAC Day, we’re proud to honour the bravery and selfless service of those who step forward in times of need, whether in conflict or on the frontline of natural disasters.

We thank these individuals for their important service to the community – people who often leave behind their careers, families, and daily lives to serve and protect others.

Equally important is the network that supports them; behind every reservist or veteran is a community of family members, friends, and colleagues who make that service possible.

Their contribution, while often less visible, is vital.

For Melinda, who now serves as Chair of Suncorp’s ‘Servus’ Employee Resource Group, ANZAC Day holds deep personal meaning.

“ANZAC Day has always been deeply significant for me,” Melinda said.

“I normally attend a dawn service, which I find incredibly grounding.

“It’s a time to pause, reflect, and remember not just those who served, but the families and communities who carry that legacy forward.”

A family legacy with the Australian Defence Force

Melinda’s connection to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is rooted in her family history – her uncle Dennis was just 21 years old when he lost his life at the Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of that battle, one where 108 ANZAC troops held their ground against an enemy force that outnumbered them ten to one.

Dennis was one of the 18 Australians who died – the largest single-action loss of Australian life at that point in the war.

“Growing up, his story was always part of our family – it shaped my understanding of service, sacrifice, and the lasting impact it has on families,” she said.

Over time, Melinda formed close relationships with her uncle’s fellow soldiers, many of whom became like extended family to her.

“I like to say that I lost one uncle in Vietnam and gained about fifty,” Melinda said.

That connection inspired her to volunteer with Legacy Brisbane – including three years on the board – and be an active member of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) Association Committee for over a decade.

Through these roles, Melinda has supported a wide range of initiatives, from commemorative services to practical assistance for veterans and their families.

A natural next step: from disaster response to service

Melinda’s professional journey at Suncorp began more than 20 years ago as part of the organisation’s first disaster response team – an experience that would later influence her decision to pursue service more directly.

In 2006, just months after joining, she was deployed to support communities impacted by Category 5 ex-Tropical Cyclone Larry that devastated Far North Queensland.

“We were a very small team – maybe 20 or 22 people altogether – responding to a cyclone of that size,” she explained.

“Almost every month, some of us were on the ground anywhere from Cairns to Innisfail, rotating through over a 12‑month period.

“It showed me firsthand the impact we can have on our customers and communities when it matters most.”

She later supported recovery efforts following the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria in 2009 – one of Australia’s most devastating natural disasters.

Working alongside emergency services and Australian Defence Force personnel during these events had a lasting impact.

“For me, it comes back to purpose and connection,” she explained.

“I felt it was a natural step for me to contribute more in a more direct way and to be part of something bigger than myself – it was a little bit of a ‘now or never’ moment.”

That sense of purpose led her to eventually apply to enlist with the ADF this year, a decision she said was strongly supported by her Suncorp team and her leaders.

“Suncorp has been incredibly supportive throughout that journey,” she said.

“From open conversations with my leaders to flexibility when needed, there’s been a genuine willingness to back me.

“That support, along with encouragement from colleagues, has made a real difference in being able to balance both commitments.”

Championing veterans and volunteers through Servus

Today, Melinda continues to advocate for the veteran community through her role as Chair of Servus, Suncorp’s Employee Resource Group dedicated to supporting veterans, reservists, and defence families.

“Stepping into the Chair role has been a really meaningful extension of the work I’ve been doing outside of Suncorp,” she said.

“My focus is on continuing to build awareness, strengthening support networks within the business, and deepening partnerships with organisations like Legacy.

“Ultimately, it’s about making sure people feel understood, supported, and connected.”

Suncorp supports employees who serve their communities through a range of initiatives, including:

• paid volunteer leave
• unlimited paid emergency response leave during national emergencies, and
• up to ten days of paid military service leave each year.

“That balance is something I really value, and it’s what makes Suncorp such a great place to work," she said.

“There’s a genuine sense of support and flexibility, and an understanding that people bring more than just their role to work – they bring their experiences, passions, and commitments.”

Lest we forget.

This ANZAC Day, Suncorp reflects on the contributions of all Australian and New Zealand service men and women, past and present.

Thank you for your sacrifice and service.