For the first time in nearly 40 years, the QBE logo will not appear on the Sydney Swans guernsey during the club’s upcoming match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on July 19.
In its place, each player’s guernsey will display a heart design created by children involved with Save the Children Australia and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
This initiative is the result of a collaboration between QBE Foundation, Save the Children Australia, and SCHF, with the aim of recognising the experiences of young patients and their families.
The children whose artwork is featured will also have the opportunity to attend the match and participate as junior mascots, running onto the field with the players.
Chris Esson, QBE Foundation chair and chief financial officer, said the project demonstrates the value of working together with community partners.
“Each heart is a personal expression from a child who helped bring this moment to life. It’s a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge the communities we support and the values we share. Our partners are a vital part of that story – they’re at the heart of QBE, and we are proud to see that come to life on the field,” he said.
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley commented that the project goes beyond the game itself.
“This is about more than football – having these children’s hearts on our guernseys is special for our team. It’s a powerful way to celebrate their stories, their strength, and the community that supports them. It’s a terrific initiative from QBE, and we are looking forward to seeing it come to life,” he said.
Ellen Marshall, director of brand, marketing, and communications at SCHF, said the collaboration has created memorable experiences for the children and their families.
“At Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, both in hospital and beyond. Our partnership with the Sydney Swans has helped make that possible for patients and their families over the past three years. For our young patients, seeing their hand-drawn hearts on the Swans guernsey is a moment of pride, joy, and connection. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when sport and community come together with purpose,” she said.
Claudia Lennon, director for NSW and TAS at 54 reasons, part of Save the Children Australia, said the initiative has given children a sense of recognition and belonging.
“At Save the Children Australia, we work to give every child the chance to thrive – and through 54 reasons, our service delivery arm in Australia, this partnership has given our kids a moment to shine. Seeing their hearts proudly displayed on the Swans guernsey has filled them with pride, joy, and a deep sense of belonging,” she said.
Following the match, each guernsey will be signed by the player who wore it and auctioned by the Sydney Swans, with all proceeds directed to Save the Children Australia and SCHF.
The auction will be conducted through the Swans’ official memorabilia website.
This community initiative coincides with QBE Insurance Group’s latest financial update.
The insurer reported an 8% rise in gross written premiums for the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, despite facing higher catastrophe-related claims and increased market volatility.
Growth was attributed to continued momentum in QBE’s International and North America divisions, with premium increases resulting from both rate adjustments and higher underlying volumes.
