Allianz Australia has appointed Australian non-profit organisation Orange Sky as the principal partner of Allianz Community Care, with support to include free services across Australia and disaster recovery deployment.
Under the arrangement, the insurance company will finance the provision of Orange Sky’s free mobile laundry, shower and community connection services nationwide.
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The insurer has also been appointed Orange Sky’s exclusive community recovery support partner.
In that role, Allianz will contribute funding for service deployment after natural disasters where Orange Sky is able to respond.
The tie-up sits within the Allianz Community Care programme, which combines Allianz Australia’s community partnerships.
Orange Sky CEO and co-founder Lucas Patchett said: “In the aftermath of a disaster, people can lose much more than their only possessions.
“This partnership will support Orange Sky to be there for more Australians during those moments, providing practical support while creating opportunities for connection and hope.”
The announcement comes after research commissioned by Allianz found that 60% of Australians are concerned that natural disasters are becoming more frequent or severe, while 88% said access to free support services after a disaster is important.
That research found that access to shower facilities, cited by 63% of respondents, and free clothes-washing and drying facilities, cited by 51%, were among the “most important needs” during disaster recovery, alongside safe spaces for connection and supportive conversation, cited by 56%.
Separate research from the University of Queensland, cited by the company, found that forming new social connections after a natural disaster can “positively influence” recovery outcomes by providing access to “practical, emotional and community support”.
Allianz-commissioned research also found that 94% of Australians believe businesses should contribute to disaster recovery in the communities where they operate.
Allianz Australia corporate affairs & governance chief general manager Libby Davidson said: “Our research showed that 60% of Australians are worried disasters are becoming more frequent or severe, but what stood out most was what people said they need afterwards: practical support, dignity and human connection.
“Orange Sky creates those moments every day. Whether it is a hot shower, clean clothes or simply someone to talk to, those small acts can help people take the first steps towards recovery.”
Last week, its sister company Allianz Partners and Waymo formed a collaboration to build insurance, claims and safety research solutions to support the latter company’s service expansion across Europe.
