Young brokers go west to help rebuild a cyclone-hit community
The 2022 Warren Tickle Award Program concluded with four thrilling days along Western Australia’s Coral Coast. The destination was Northampton, a town in WA located 480km north of Perth that was hit by devastating tropical cyclone Seroja in early 2021.
“Charity work and fundraising to support communities affected by severe weather events have become an integral part of the Vero-sponsored NIBA Warren Tickle Award Program. Each year, the state winners are tasked with working together to select a community or a local charity affected by a major weather-related event. They’ll then present the case to a panel of senior Vero executives for the opportunity to receive funding towards their revival,” said Anthony Pagano, Head of Distribution.
In 2021, the young brokers’ pitch was successful, seeing St. Mary’s Primary School receive $20,000 towards resurfacing of the school’s basketball court and playground. Northampton Old School Initiative Inc (NOSCCI), a community centre for Aboriginal residents in Northampton and the district, received $5,000 to help restore their Remembrance Garden.
Fast forward a few months and this year’s Warren Tickle Award finalists, alongside Vero Young Broker Alumni and senior Vero executives commenced ‘Destination West Coast’ – an expedition to see how the funds had been used towards rebuilding the community. “This experience reminded us of the many good things our industry does and challenged the young brokers on how to effectively give back to their communities,” said Michael Miller, Executive General Manager, Commercial Insurance.
Through the program, we encouraged these young brokers to step outside their comfort zone, and step outside they did! They took one of the program themes - contribution and making a difference with continued recovery efforts – to heart and volunteered at the 104th annual Northampton show, a local even attracting over 3,000 visitors. The group got their hands dirty helping with setting up stands, directing car park traffic, selling raffle tickets, installing security fencing and much more.
St Mary’s Primary School was badly damaged as the cyclone tore through and thankfully no one was injured. However, the debris, branches and fallen trees damaged the school’s playground and basketball court. “To have our basketball court redone was so symbolic of the journey we’ve gone through, and it’s been an absolute godsend for the kids,” said Ben Will, Principal St Mary’s School.
With the original $20,000 grant already allocated to rebuilding the basketball court, the group was inspired to run a fun activity at the Northampton show and make a donation to fund a school camp for Year 5 and 6 students.
The group also met with local residents behind the Northampton Old School Community Initiative Inc. to witness how the $5,000 contributed to repairing the damage inflicted by the cyclone and to continue to sustain their community garden project. The garden comprises of four elements: the food garden, amphitheatre, a friendship garden and reconciliation garden.
At Vero, we recognise the importance of investing in our young brokers and the future role they will play in supporting our communities. Next year, we look forward to bringing a group of young brokers – the upcoming 2023 NIBA Young Professional Broker of the Year State winners - on a brand-new experience, as we continue to support impacted communities around the country.
About Northampton, WA
Northampton was known as the "The Mines" until 1864, when the townsite was gazetted and became known as Northampton. This small, charming rural town on the edge of the wheat belt is located 465 km north of Perth via Jurien Bay and Geraldton (https://www.northampton.wa.gov.au and https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/northampton-wa). At around 8pm on 11 April 2021, Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja hit the Western Australian coast, before leaving a trail of destruction that covered an area of about 133 000km2 affecting 16 local government areas. Impacts at Kalbarri, where the system made landfall, and the nearby town of Northampton were severe with many buildings sustaining significant damage, as infrastructure in the region was not built to withstand a category 3 event.
About St Mary’s Primary School
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School differentiates the learning to suit all students. A long history of excellence in education is fostered through highly experienced, professional and committed teaching staff. Their welcoming, diverse community ensures that every child is nurtured to realise their passions and strengths to achieve their potential. The collective spirit of their students, parents and staff makes St Mary’s an excellent education choice for those looking to prepare children for a successful and thriving future. Vero Community Grant contributed to the resurfacing of the school’s basketball court and playground.
About NOSCI
Northampton Old School Initiative Inc is a community centre for Aboriginal residents in Northampton and the district. They provide all kinds of assistance in the community, with art and creative content running through all their projects. Vero Community Grant contributed to the Remembrance Garden.
About the Young Brokers Alumni Program
The Young Brokers Alumni Program, bringing together the next generation of broking leaders across our industry for ongoing development and training, is an integral part of Vero’s commitment to our young brokers. Since its launch in 2019, the Program aims to foster strong bonds amongst the group and provide access to exclusive mentoring and professional development experiences. This year, the Alumni welcomed their newest member – the 2022 winner of Vero-sponsored Warren Tickle Award, Will Thompson from Thompson Insurance in Queensland.
