When bushfires swept through the Grampians National Park in early 2025, Keira McDonald witnessed firsthand the fragility of rural life and business. Thankfully, her family’s holiday park was spared physical damage, but the emotional and financial strain sparked Keira’s deeper curiosity in her: how do farmers and businesses build resilience in a world where the unexpected is inevitable? 

That question led Keira to apply for—and receive—the 2025 Achmea Farm Insurance and Angus Foundation Cadetship, a four-week placement that immersed her in agricultural insurance and risk management. 

“What surprised me most was the culture,” Keira said. “I had expected a cold, corporate environment. Instead, I found approachable leaders, practical conversations, and a shared purpose that put farmers at the centre of everything they do.” 

During her cadetship, Keira joined Achmea’s insurance specialists on farm visits. “I gained insight into how a farmer-first approach empowers rural businesses to grow, invest, and recover,” said Keira. She discovered that while risk is unavoidable, insurance plays a vital role in bridging the gaps farmers can’t manage operationally. 

The experience also enabled Keira to attend the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program, where she developed a leadership philosophy grounded in empathy, awareness, and intentional action. 

Her five key takeaways from the program were: 

  • Always seek to understand before being understood 
  • Self-awareness underpins all leadership 
  • Humans embrace change when introduced well 
  • Stop, pause, and listen. Do not rush to respond 
  • Intention leads to action. 

“I am deeply grateful to the Angus Foundation and Achmea Farm Insurance for making this cadetship possible, and to the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program for shaping me as both a thinker and a leader,” said Keira. 

Scott Wright, CEO of Angus Australia, said “At Angus Australia we have been impressed by Keira from early days. She always showed a passion to learn and tremendous enthusiasm. I’m delighted that we have made the connection for Keira to flourish at Achmea. We have a really unique relationship with Achmea and it is based on mutual trust and common values. Angus Australia is all about helping our members excel and this is another win. Thanks to Achmea for their support and to Keira for being a great ambassador”. 

Emma Thomas, CEO of Achmea Farm Insurance, remarked “Keira’s story is a powerful example of how quickly the unexpected can reshape lives and livelihoods,” said 

“Her family’s experience during the Grampians bushfires reminds us that even when physical losses are avoided, the emotional and financial toll of catastrophes can be profound. 

“As a specialist agricultural insurer, we believe in the importance of risk mitigation. For those risks that can’t be fully mitigated, adequate insurance is both a safety net and a strategic tool for resilience, especially for farmers who face increasingly complex challenges. But we also recognise the complexities surrounding risk mitigation, affordability, and availability,” she said. 

“These are not just issues of today; they are shaping the future of farming. They are complex, interconnected, and evolving, and addressing them requires fresh thinking, collaboration, and leadership from across generations and diverse backgrounds,” Emma said. 

“At Achmea Farm Insurance, agriculture isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. It’s embedded in our purpose, our people, and our partnerships. Every decision we make, every policy we design, and every conversation we have is shaped by a deep understanding of farming life. We don’t just serve the agricultural sector; we live it, we listen to it, and we grow with it. That’s why voices like Keira’s matter so deeply. They help us stay grounded in the realities of farming today, while guiding us toward the possibilities of tomorrow.” 

Emma added, “Keira’s voice, her insight, and her courage to share her journey have made a lasting impact at Achmea Farm Insurance. Through the cadetship, she has not only helped shape our understanding of the next generation of farmers, she has reminded us of the power of listening, learning, and evolving. Her contribution reflects the spirit of innovation and resilience that will define the future of agriculture. Thank you, Keira, for inspiring us and helping Achmea remain a partner that grows with the people it serves, both today and into tomorrow.” 

As Keira steps into the next chapter of her career, she carries with her a deeper understanding of the complex web of stakeholders—banks, insurers, reinsurers, and governments—each managing their own risks. What she gained wasn’t certainty, but perspective. 

“There is no simple solution,” she said. “But asking the right questions is where resilience begins.”