As part of its ongoing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts, Suncorp Group is spotlighting the role of its employees in contributing to community initiatives during June’s Workplace Giving Month.
The insurer’s workplace giving program, branded as “Collective Giving,” has supported staff in engaging with charitable causes through matched donations and company-supported volunteering time.
Launched in 2024, the program allows Suncorp employees to support a cause of their choice, with the company matching contributions up to a set limit. In addition, employees receive one paid volunteer day annually, which has led to team-based initiatives across different states and sectors of the organisation.
Belinda Speirs, Suncorp’s chief executive for people, legal and corporate services, said the model was designed to increase flexibility in how staff give back.
“It’s been a year since we launched our new approach to workplace giving, Collective Giving, which is how Suncorp empowers employees to make a difference and to give their time, money, or skills to support the causes they are passionate about,” she said.
She added that this approach aligns closely with the company’s purpose of supporting communities and helping build long-term resilience.
“I take pride in being part of an organisation that has a strong focus on community impact and supports each and every one of us to give back in our own way. It strongly aligns with our purpose of building futures and protecting what matters,” Speirs said.
Among the featured efforts is the involvement of Suncorp employees Steve and Michelle Cratchley in Box Rallies – outback motoring events that raise funds for cancer research.
The Cratchleys, who have spent over four decades combined at Suncorp, take part in these rallies in their own time, using donated vehicles to navigate regional Australia.
“We were offered a place in our first rally from Mackay to Hobart in 2016, and Suncorp kindly donated our first car to us, which was a 2000 Ford Fairlane,” Steve said.
Since the events began in 2009, more than $56 million has been raised through Box Rallies for the Cancer Council. Participants include support teams with medical and mechanical expertise, ensuring safety across remote routes.
Michelle noted the broader impact on small towns that host the rallies.
“Around 500 people join each rally, including some with mechanical, medical and other skills to support the drivers throughout the rally. The support crews go ahead of everyone and use bright pink tape to mark any hazards and corners to keep the drivers safe,” she said.
In Victoria, Suncorp employee Lakshmi – who works in consumer insurance delivery – has been volunteering with Backpacks 4 Vic Kids.
The not-for-profit organisation provides essential supplies such as clothing and hygiene items to children entering foster care or emergency accommodation.
Lakshmi said each backpack is based on age and gender – from infants to teenagers. The idea is to provide some comfort and meet their immediate needs during a difficult transition.
“One backpack at a time, they make a real difference to young lives. It is such a great cause, but at the same time it breaks your heart to see how many children are in need,” she said.
In a separate effort linked to Suncorp’s disaster resilience objectives, the insurer has partnered with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to deliver $316,822 in community grants through the Rebuilding Futures program.
The funding targets towns affected by bushfires, floods, and severe storms, with projects supporting both immediate recovery and longer-term preparedness.
This round introduced two funding streams – one focused on local projects and the other on infrastructure improvements paired with expert support – marking a broader approach to sustainable recovery planning.
