Gallagher Bassett Australia (GB) has entered a national partnership with hunger relief charity Foodbank Australia, committing an initial donation of $25,000 to support hunger relief efforts aimed at First Nations communities.
The collaboration is part of GB’s ongoing reconciliation strategy under its Innovate phase of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), designed to engage and support Indigenous communities.
Pete Nicholson, CEO of Gallagher Bassett Australia, said that the partnership aligns with the objectives of the company’s Innovate phase, focusing on meaningful reconciliation efforts.
“We are honoured to join forces with Foodbank and support their vital work in providing hunger relief to First Nations communities,” he said.
The company began the partnership by donating GB Gentle Bears during a visit to Foodbank’s NSW and ACT warehouse.
Brianna Casey AM, CEO of Foodbank Australia, expressed her appreciation for GB’s support.
“We are so grateful for this support which will enable Foodbank to get much-needed, culturally appropriate food relief to First Nations communities. Thank you to all involved,” she said.
Nicholson noted that GB would continue building on its initial contribution with future funding and projects to address food insecurity in Indigenous communities.
Andrew Spilsbury, global vice president of brand strategy, management and growth at GB, also emphasised the partnership’s alignment with the organisation’s global community support activities.
“At Gallagher Bassett, our people are driven by our mission to help the people, clients, and communities we serve, so this partnership aligns closely to the core of our culture and company,” he said.
He added that the firm’s employees would participate in volunteer efforts at Foodbank warehouses, starting with the preparation of Foodbank Christmas Hampers in New South Wales and South Australia.
In addition to its community initiative, GB has launched a new paid leave specifically for reproductive health in a move that the company calls a first for the Australian insurance industry.
The policy allows employees to take up to 10 days of paid leave annually for reproductive health-related issues such as IVF treatment or chronic conditions like endometriosis.
The company, which employs over 1,600 people across Australia, announced the policy as part of its broader commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
The policy also covers preventative health measures such as screenings for breast and prostate cancers.
In addition to reproductive health leave, GB has expanded its caregiver leave policies. The company now offers 16 weeks of paid leave for primary caregivers and two weeks for secondary caregivers.
Tanith Jones, general manager of people and culture, said that these updates were designed to enhance the firm’s commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusivity.
