The Loan Market Group (LMG) is set to launch a significant fundraiser to aid communities devastated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which made landfall on March 8, 2025, hitting South-East Queensland and northern New South Wales with damaging winds, severe rain, and hailstorms. With plans initially set for the Gold Coast last week, the annual conference has been rescheduled to April 1-2, 2025, and will now focus on helping those significantly impacted by the cyclone.
The funds raised during the event will go toward supporting various local charities and services, including Friends With Dignity, which assists those escaping domestic violence—a situation very likely exacerbated by the cyclone—Batyr, which focuses on mental health education and support within communities, and the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES), known for its dedicated volunteers who provide emergency and rescue services.
LMG’s fundraiser will be part of the Growth Summit festivities at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, now themed the Wild West GiveFest. This theme change reflects the group's commitment to channeling the spirit of camaraderie and giving prevalent within the community.
A charity auction will add to the event's fundraising potential, hosted by Mark Churchill from Allfin. An auction item of significant interest is the advertising campaign valued at $6,000 donated by Momentum Media on its Smart Property Investment (SPI) platform, which serves as both a website and podcast for property investors. This package promises to amplify the winning broker’s profile to thousands of prospective clients, demonstrating the brokerage industry's willingness to come together for greater good.
Attendees will be even more engaged through various activities and raffles, providing multiple ways to contribute financially to the cause. All donations gathered during the GiveFest will be dollar-matched by LMG to maximize community support effort, significantly enhancing the potential impact.
Ewen Stafford, LMG's newly appointed executive director and CEO, emphasized the importance of this fundraiser. He noted, “Growth Summit has always been about bringing brokers together to sharpen their skills and drive growth. But right now, we've got a chance to do more, to show up for the communities.” His vision for the event strongly resonates with the overarching goal of making substantial contributions to those most affected by the cyclone.
Stafford also remarked on the relationship between the Gold Coast and the brokerage community, stating: “The Gold Coast has always welcomed us, and now it’s our turn to show up for them.” He acknowledged the brokers’ fundamental role as helpers and supporters, highlighting their daily commitment to assisting clients and communities.
Even as LMG organizes this fundraiser, local banks and government entities are rolling out relief schemes for cyclone victims. Various lenders are providing mortgage repayment relief, waiving fees and enhancing credit limits to ease the financial burdens of their customers affected by the tempest. Concurrently, New South Wales' government has unveiled a $15 million Community Recovery Support Fund and $15 million for emergency assistance aimed at local governments across South-East Queensland to facilitate clean-up efforts and support for recovery activities.
With many schools shuttered during the cyclone and the community battling extensive clean-up efforts, the significance of LMG’s initiative becomes abundantly clear. The Gold Coast’s vibrant community spirit is now instrumental as they face the aftermath together. LMG's efforts, particularly their Wild West GiveFest celebration, exemplify the solidarity and determination prevalent among brokers to lend support where it is needed most.
Indeed, the event will not just be about celebration; it will pave the way for real, tangible aid to communities enduring the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred. It seeks to reaffirm the brokerage industry's role not just as financial facilitators but as compassionate contributors to society, demonstrating how their actions can lead to positive change.
The Wild West GiveFest promises to be much more than just another function on the calendar; it is positioned as a beacon of hope for those who find themselves grappling with the consequences of natural disasters. Through collective efforts, the event aims to rally substantial support for the communities affected, highlighting resilience and community togetherness as these regions strive to find their footing again.
If you're interested in helping, attending the GiveFest may be your chance to contribute meaningfully and positively impact the lives of many suffering the consequences of the cyclone. The energy around the event is set to cultivate hope and camaraderie, drawing together individuals determined to make their community stronger.
Overall, as various sectors unite to bolster recovery efforts, the upcoming event serves as not just another episodic gathering but as part of broader recovery, emphasizing long-lasting communal ties during adversity. This fundraiser is timely, encouraging locals and industries to reinforce their dedication to support fellow citizens during their most challenging times.