A Suncorp leader has participated in a special fundraising event to help bring back the smile to farmers’ faces as they recover from the catastrophic floods that wiped out half a million cattle, homes, roads, fences, and machinery in northwest Queensland in February.
David Carter, Suncorp banking and wealth CEO, travelled to Julia Creek to take part in the flood relief luncheon organised by Emily, the 16-year-old daughter of long-time Suncorp customers and third-generation graziers, the Curr family.
The event was hosted by media commentator Alan Jones and tenor Mark Vincent who performed for 250 guests, including champion jockey Hugh Bowman, State of Origin identity Billy Moore, and Andrew McPherson from Teys.
“Emily put together such an outstanding event, and the comradery and community spirit was incredible,” Carter said. “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.
“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.”
