Our people lend a helping hand to protect local community from floods

Helping people during major weather events is part of our DNA at IAG. A group of our local team members recently swapped their keyboards for sandbags, to help the South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) protect locals in the historic town of Mannum, South Australia from the threat of floods.

Through our NRMA Insurance partnership with the SASES we jumped at the opportunity to provide volunteers to help sandbag parts of the town to reduce the risk of flooding. The SASES had been working with the local council to build a giant flood levee down the centre of the main street in the hope of preventing the peak of the river from flowing into the town.

Fortunately, with support for the levee and sandbags brought in by authorities, the SASES and volunteers were successful in protecting the town and surrounding properties from major floodwater damage.

Partnerships Consultant Sonya Catalano was one of our people who put her hand up to volunteer and described the experience as eye-opening: “I’d never done anything like this before, and it was way out of my corporate office comfort zone. I’m still buzzing from the feeling that I can do something to help my community.”

During her time supporting the SASES on-the-ground, Sonya had the opportunity to meet many people from around the Mannum community including Noel Hickey, a Vietnam veteran and local resident whose house was in danger.

One of Noel’s neighbours was worried about him and had asked if the SASES could deliver some sandbags to his house. When Sonya arrived with a tray full of sandbags, Noel was moved to tears.

Noel explained that there had been many “moments of help” as neighbours and strangers united to prepare the historic town: “People are coming by and asking how I’m going, offering to lend a hand. The response of the locals and others [in the community] has made me feel like people care. It’s been a bit overwhelming to be honest.”

IAG volunteer Sonya Catalano delivers sandbags to Mannum local Noel Hickey.

SASES Duty Officer Dave O’Shannessy was in Mannum to oversee volunteer sandbagging efforts and the construction of the levee: “Not only is the SASES thankful for the great efforts of the IAG volunteers, but they are also greatly appreciated by the River Murray Communities.”

Reflecting on the experience, Sonya said it was a realisation to teach her own children, aged nine and seven, to understand the power of help and the importance of community spirit.

“Know your neighbours, [to help you] feel safe in your communities, because when things get rough you can rely on those around you,” said Sonya.

Sonya was able to volunteer her time as part of IAG’s Community Connection program, which supports employee volunteering. On this occasion, Sonya accessed our Volunteer Leave – Resilience. This is up to 5 days paid leave which allows our people to support preparedness and recovery efforts related to natural peril events like the flood mitigation work in Mannum late last year. Our people can also access volunteer leave (up to one day paid leave) which can be used to support any not-for-profit organisation they are passionate about. Emergency Services Leave, which is up to 20 days, can be used to support volunteer roles with organisations like the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service.

We’d like to thank all our volunteers for making a real impact in the local community to help us continue to deliver on our IAG purpose, to make your world a safer place.