In observance of ANZAC Day, Suncorp Group is spotlighting its support for employees engaged in both defence service and emergency response, reinforcing its position on flexible workforce policies that accommodate national service responsibilities.
This year’s commemoration includes the story of Dominic McMullan (pictured), a business development advisor at Vero Insurance, which operates under the Suncorp umbrella.
McMullan also serves in the Australian Army Reserve as a Light Cavalry Scout with the Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment in Victoria – a unit with a legacy extending back to the Boer War.
McMullan balances his professional role in the insurance sector with part-time military service. He supports insurance brokers nationwide and applies communication and relationship management skills that are equally relevant on the field.
“I talk to insurance intermediaries who sell Suncorp insurance policies around Australia. I spend a lot of time talking to our brokers, and it is really important to be able to build relationships that are workable and mutually supportive and effective,” he said.
During the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis in Victoria, McMullan’s unit was deployed to assist in logistics, supply transportation, and community evacuations. Driving armoured vehicles through high-risk zones, he contributed to the broader emergency response alongside other agencies.
In line with its employee policies, Suncorp provides military service leave, emergency response leave, and paid volunteer leave.
McMullan said this support was particularly meaningful during his deployment, which coincided with the birth of his first child.
“With a new baby on the way, with all the crisis in the world, that just made all the difference,” he said.
Suncorp also maintains an internal network called “Servus,” which connects and advocates for reservists, veterans, and volunteers. The employee-led group serves as a liaison between operational staff and executive leadership, helping facilitate flexible arrangements and recognition for community service.
Davor Strbac, Suncorp’s physical security manager and co-chair of Servus, brings his own military experience to the role, having served in the Australian Army. He supports transitioning veterans into corporate roles, particularly in security, risk, and crisis management.
“As a whole, Suncorp is a very flexible organisation, which allows our reservists, like Dominic, who are often called upon to support and serve, to do so,” he said.
McMullan echoed the importance of organisational understanding.
“The Servus ERG helps connect us with management so that we can have the flexibility we need to serve the community and not have to repeatedly explain our responsibilities. It takes the pressure off when leadership understands our significant role in the community, and our teams feel supported,” he said.
