QBE announces $100,000 donation to support disaster-impacted communities
QBE today announced a $100,000 donation to support Australian Red Cross in its emergency work for communities affected by the floods in north Queensland, along with other emergencies.
The donation will support Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery teams who have been helping around the clock since the flooding disaster struck. Teams are providing psychological first aid and other vital support in recovery hubs, as well as providing door-to-door support in the worst affected communities.
QBE Australia Pacific Chief Executive Officer Vivek Bhatia said QBE was committed to supporting communities impacted by the devastating Queensland floods.
“Our thoughts are with the individuals, families and businesses who have been impacted by the catastrophic events in north Queensland.
“We know when the rain hits it’s just the beginning and there’s a great deal to do to get these communities back on their feet and relief from organisations like the Red Cross is critical to aid response and recovery.”
Mr Bhatia said the insurer had enacted its catastrophe management plan, bolstering claims teams and response efforts over the last two weeks to support impacted customers.
“Our catastrophe management plan has been activated and we’re processing claims from customers impacted in north Queensland as a priority, with additional team members in place to take calls and support lodgement.
“We’ve also mobilised our assessors and tradespeople and have people on the ground in Townsville to provide support to our customers.
“We continue to urge individuals still in the process of re-entering their homes and properties to ensure they remain safe when doing so. Once they’ve had the opportunity to safely inspect damage, we encourage our customers to lodge claims as soon as possible, so we can begin the process to support their recovery.”
“We’ll continue to work closely with our customers throughout the claims process to get them back on their feet - assessing damage and actioning repairs as soon as it’s safe and possible.”
Customers insured directly with QBE can call on 133 QBE (133 723) to make a claim while customers who have bought policies through an intermediary or financial institution can contact them to make a claim or contact QBE directly on 1800 023 387.
The donated funds have come from QBE Australia’s charity arm the QBE Foundation.
For more information:
Sarah Bond
Senior Communications Specialist
QBE Australia
Mobile: +61 466 028 302
Email: sarah.bond@qbe.com
Paul Dekkers
External Communications Manager
QBE Australia
Phone: +612 9375 4093
Email: paul.dekkers@qbe.com