From left: John Longmire, Michael Hooper, Sue Houghton, Jo Hatcher, Lorelle Hillman, Drew Arthurson
How QBE and the Sydney Swans bring high performance to life
Long‑term partnerships are built on consistency, trust and shared values. This year marks 40 years of partnership between QBE and the Sydney Swans – one of the longest‑standing sponsorships in Australian sport and a relationship defined by resilience and commitment over time.
To commemorate the occasion, QBE recently brought together brokers and customers for a unique high performance experience, designed to explore what sustained success really looks like – on the field, in leadership and in business.
Held on Thursday, 5 March 2026, the event began at the Sydney Swans’ headquarters before culminating in a premium match‑day experience at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), as the Swans hosted Carlton in the opening game of the 2026 AFL season.
The occasion also formed part of QBE’s broader 140th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to partnerships built for the long term.
Guests were welcomed with a high‑performance session featuring a panel of senior sporting leaders, including Drew Arthurson, Chief Operating Officer of the Sydney Swans; John Longmire, former Senior Coach of the Sydney Swans; and Michael Hooper, former Wallabies Captain.
Drawing on their experience at the highest levels of professional sport, the discussion explored what it takes to sustain elite success – from performing under pressure to building strong cultures anchored in discipline, accountability and adaptability.
Reflecting on those themes, John Longmire said the same principles sit at the core of the long standing partnership between QBE and the Sydney Swans.
“The strength of this partnership comes from the people and the shared focus on long term performance. That alignment is what makes days like this so impactful.”
Guests then headed to the SCG for a truly memorable experience – taking part in a Guard of Honour before enjoying the AFL match.
The moment symbolised the close connection between QBE, the Swans and their broader network, bringing together sport, business and community in a tangible way.
But partnership between QBE and the Sydney Swans extends well beyond branding or match days. It is rooted in a shared commitment to community impact and social responsibility.
As part of the event, $20,000 was raised for QBE’s Goals for Good initiative – a season‑long program that leverages the QBE Foundation partnerships and the Sydney Swans Foundation to support community initiatives and drive positive social outcomes.
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Sue Houghton, Chief Executive Officer of QBE Australia Pacific, said the partnership’s enduring strength lies in its shared values.
“For 40 years, our partnership with the Sydney Swans has been built on trust, shared values and a long term commitment to the community,” Ms Houghton said.
“We’re proud to support the club across every level and to celebrate a partnership that continues to make a meaningful impact on and off the field.”
“What makes this partnership so meaningful is not just its longevity, but the values that underpin it. Sustained success doesn’t come from one great season or one strong year but from consistency, strong culture and people aligned around a clear purpose.”
As QBE marks 140 years and the Sydney Swans reflect on four decades of partnership, the message is clear: high performance is not an endpoint, but an ongoing commitment.
By bringing brokers, customers and elite sporting leaders together, QBE continues to create experiences that go beyond insurance by fostering connection and shared learning.
After 40 years, the partnership remains as relevant as ever, proving that when values align, success endures.
