At the recent AFL clash between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, QBE Insurance extended its philanthropic campaign, Goals for Good, by donating a total of $125,000 through its charitable arm, the QBE Foundation.
QBE ties AFL scoring to community giving
The campaign, which ties donations to the number of goals scored by the Swans, saw the insurer contribute $5,000 for each of the team’s 12 goals, with a top-up contribution bringing the total to $125,000. Proceeds will be shared among QBE’s community partners and the Sydney Swans Foundation.
Chris Esson, co-chair of the QBE Foundation, said the collaboration with the Swans is a long-standing component of the insurer’s community investment strategy.
“Our nearly 40-year partnership with the Sydney Swans has allowed us to make a real difference in the communities and causes that matter to both our organisations,” he said. “We’re proud to continue this important work with this year’s QBE Foundation Goals for Good initiative, contributing to the creation of stronger, more resilient, and inclusive communities.”
The donation will benefit several nonprofit groups, including Save the Children Australia, the Stars Foundation, the Australian Red Cross, R U OK?, and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, alongside the Swans’ youth development arm.
Penny Harrison, deputy chief executive of the Australian Red Cross, participated in game-day activities, joining QBE stakeholders in the Guard of Honour and overseeing the pre-game coin toss.
Swans CEO Tom Harley noted the continued support from QBE.
“QBE Foundation’s Goals for Good is a wonderful initiative to give back to the community, including our Sydney Swans Foundation, which is providing pathways for local kids through the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank QBE for their support,” he said.
Separately, health insurer Bupa has renewed its partnership with Disability Sports Australia (DSA), committing additional funding as the presenting partner for DSA’s Abilities Unleashed and Accessibility Champion programs.
The collaboration, now in its third year, aims to reduce barriers that limit sports participation for people with disabilities. Despite a strong desire among many in the disability community to engage in sport, only a quarter currently do so due to limited accessibility and infrastructure.
Matt Prowse, Bupa’s customer and brand director, said the insurer sees value in supporting broader access at the community level.
“Sport is a cornerstone of Australian culture, but access isn’t equal for everyone, particularly for those with a disability. The work done by Disability Sports Australia to remove those barriers to make it easier for people to get involved, as well as making it fun, has created pathways and greater awareness to ensure no one is left behind,” he said.
Abilities Unleashed has delivered more than 100 community events since launch, enabling thousands of participants to try new sports and build social connections.
The Accessibility Champions program, introduced in 2022, offers clubs training and resources to better accommodate athletes with disability. The new funding will allow DSA to offer face-to-face workshops across several states.
DSA chief executive Ayden Shaw said the extended support would enhance efforts to create inclusive pathways.
“Sport has the power to transform lives – and everyone should have the chance to experience that. Through our continued partnership with Bupa, we’re breaking down barriers so more Australians with a disability can be active in ways that are meaningful to them,” he said. “From come-and-try days to lifelong participation, we’re creating real opportunities to connect, thrive, and belong. Together, we’re helping more people get their start in sport and supporting communities to become more inclusive, welcoming, and active every day.”
These developments align with recent trends in public health, as highlighted in Bupa’s 2025 Pulse Check report.
The research, based on a national survey of 2,000 people, found that 30% of Australians report an improvement in quality of life, driven by better mental health and lifestyle habits. However, concern remains high around chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
The report also showed growing participation in wellness activities, including team sports, gym sessions, and mindfulness practices.
