Having experienced the devastation of on-farm natural disasters, Achmea Farm Insurance’s Alison Treston outlines how insurance can help communities rise together
For decades, women across Australia have stood as the backbone of farming communities, shaping our future with grit, determination, and strength.
As a speaker at a recent agricultural conference dedicated to women, I had the privilege to reflect on the resilience, trust, and collaboration that empower women in agriculture; a spirit that has been my guiding principle throughout my 40 year career in insurance.
United values
My story began in North Queensland, in the town of Innisfail, where farming was not just an occupation, it was a way of life.
I was 16 when Cyclone Winifred tore through in 1986, and it shaped me into who I am today.
At the time, I worked in a small insurance office that became a lifeline for the devastated community.
The devastation wasn’t just about physical damage; it was about fear, loss, and uncertainty.
Those moments showed me that trust and compassion could hold a community together when everything else was falling apart.
That experience sparked my passion for insurance, as I discovered it is about more than paperwork or policies – it’s about people. Insurance is about being a steady, reliable hand during life’s stormiest moments and helping to rebuild hope when it feels like there’s none left.
Decades later, whether I’m helping farmers recover after a cyclone or supporting them through daily unforeseen events, this passion continues to drive me.
For me, insurance is about empowering people and communities to rise stronger together.
Empowering women
Farming has always demanded resilience. But that resilience extends far beyond crops or machinery, it’s about the people who make it all possible.
The women in agriculture, those sitting at the helm of their farms and families, are the beating heart of rural communities.
To every woman balancing the needs of a farm with the responsibilities of running a household, raising children, navigating childcare, or fulfilling other caregiving responsibilities – and everything in between – your strength is exceptional.
With that strength also comes the reality of unique challenges.
From facing natural disasters to managing the financial pressures of farming life, it’s clear that having the right support isn’t just helpful but is essential.
Securing your financial future with tools like insurance is vital.
It means protecting your family’s legacy, preparing for the unexpected, and ensuring your hard work endures through any challenge.
Safeguarding your farm is not just about the present, but about ensuring a strong and resilient future for generations to come.
Community organisations are positive examples of how collaboration and solidarity can make a difference, because together we can achieve more than we ever could alone.
Trusted partnerships
One of the greatest demonstrations of resilience and partnership I’ve witnessed came during Cyclone Debbie, which struck the Bowen region just weeks before tomato farmers were set to harvest.
For many, the devastation felt insurmountable as packing sheds were destroyed, crops were ready, but there was no way to deliver them to market.
At Achmea Farm Insurance, we immediately got to work.
Within weeks, critical infrastructure was restored, which allowed farmers to pack and deliver their produce on time.
This rapid recovery reflected our purpose: keeping farmers farming.
Is your farm fully protected?
Farming is inherently unpredictable.
Whether we face market shifts or weather events such as cyclones and floods, resilience doesn’t mean standing alone.
It means leaning on others, planning for tomorrow, and having trusted support in your corner.
As women in agriculture, it’s worth asking – if disaster were to strike tomorrow, would your farm, future and family be fully protected?
If you are unsure, now is the time to act.
Protecting your livelihood is more than safeguarding assets; it’s about securing the legacy and determination that define your story.
Sustainable future
Having witnessed the devastation of Cyclone Winifred and Debbie, and everything in between, I know that compassion and shared resilience lies at the heart of every farming community.
These values help us overcome challenges and build the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future.
We need to continue supporting and empowering ourselves and each other to build stronger farms, families and communities for generations to come.
When we rise together, there’s no challenge we can’t overcome.