This year's Growth Summit aims to support disaster-affected communities
Mortgage aggregator Loan Market Group (LMG) has repurposed its annual Growth Summit into a fundraising event to support communities impacted by recent severe weather in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Originally set for March 12-13, the event has been rescheduled to April 1-2 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. The postponement, while unexpected, has created an opportunity for the mortgage industry to give back, according to LMG executive director Ewen Stafford (pictured above).
“Growth Summit has always been about bringing brokers together to sharpen their skills and drive growth,” Stafford said. “But right now, we’ve got a chance to do more, to show up for the communities that need us.”
The event, rebranded as Wild West GiveFest, will raise funds for organisations assisting those affected by natural disasters.
“One of the GiveFest’s charity partners is Friends With Dignity, which provides aid and practical support to those escaping domestic violence so they can take their first steps towards rebuilding their lives,” said Stafford, who was also recently appointed the aggregator’s chief executive.
“Our second charity partner, Batyr, works within communities to provide mental health education and support, helping people manage these challenges and rebuild their resilience.”
The fundraiser will also assist Queensland SES, whose volunteers are actively responding to disasters and providing emergency services.
Brokers attending Growth Summit will have multiple ways to contribute. LMG will match direct donations made throughout the event, while a charity auction will feature exclusive prizes and experiences. A raffle and other activities will also encourage donations, with all proceeds going directly to the charities.
“Events like Growth Summit play a crucial role in supporting the local economy, and this is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way,” Stafford said. “Brokers are all about helping people – that’s what they do every day. Growth Summit and our Wild West GiveFest is a chance for the industry to come together and extend that support to communities that need it most.”
In addition to fundraising efforts, Growth Summit will continue to offer professional development for brokers. The event will feature high-profile speakers, including Loan Market Group executive chairman Sam White, ultramarathon athlete Nedd Brockmann, Four Pillars Gin co-founder Matt Jones, and AI expert Kim Seeling Smith. Broker-focused workshops will also be a key part of the program.
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