Special fundraiser puts a smile back on farmers’ faces

Suncorp’s commitment to supporting customers goes back 117 years, so as the north-west Queensland community faces into one of their toughest challenges we’re proud to be there to help.

In February a devastating monsoon dumped up to 78 inches of rain and created an inland sea twice the size of Tasmania, wiping out half a million cattle, homes, roads, fences and machinery. 

Suncorp’s Qld Agri team, most of whom come from farming families themselves, were on the ground from the start to see the damage first hand and offer support and relief options for the road to recovery.

Banking & Wealth CEO David Carter recently travelled to Julia Creek at the invitation of long-time Suncorp customers and third-generation graziers, the Curr family. The focus of the visit was a special fundraising event, organised by the Curr’s 16-year-old daughter Emily.

David was honoured to be a special guest at the Flood Relief Luncheon at the Julia Creek Town Hall alongside champion jockey Hugh Bowman, State of Origin identity Billy Moore, and Andrew McPherson from Teys. 

The lunch was hosted by media commentator Alan Jones and tenor Mark Vincent performed for the 250 guests. 

David said it was both humbling and uplifting to see the community’s journey over the past few months.  

“Emily put together such an outstanding event, and the comradery and community spirit was incredible. 

“In the days and weeks after the monsoon our teams were sitting with customers around their kitchen tables, trying to take in the scale of the disaster. Cattle had either washed away or so shell-shocked they perished not long after. With decimated stock, no fences or machinery many livelihoods were in limbo; now in a few short months to see smiles on the faces of customers as they celebrate important milestones – like the construction of a new boundary fence – it’s inspiring to be part of,” David said.

“It will take years for many agribusinesses in this region to fully recover, but we’ve been here from the start and we’re standing side by side with our customers with a clear plan to help give them the means and confidence to rebuild.”