5 minutes with Elders Insurance Longreach Agent, Ros Kavanagh

With a wealth of experience dating back to 1991, insurance has been a big part of life for Ros Kavanagh. When her late husband Noel fell ill in 2010, Ros was faced with the decision to leave the Elders Insurance Longreach business or go it alone. With a young family to support, Ros took the bull by the horns and stepped up to run the business as the Elders Insurance agent in Longreach, Queensland.

“Noel was surprised I decided to stay on in the business. I certainly hit the ground running in those first couple of years!” said Ros.

Ros loves the challenges that come with the business, and finding the right solutions for her clients.

“Every day is different. There wouldn’t be a day that goes by, that I don’t go home thinking I’ve learnt something new today,”
enthused Ros.

Ros believes compassion is an important trait for working in insurance.

“We see people at their most vulnerable, particularly on the claims side of things,” said Ros.

Ros has the advantage of growing up in Longreach where she feels right at home. People have faith in Ros to provide a reputable service, thanks to her long-term ties to the community paired with her 28 years of experience.

“Country people like to know who they’re dealing with, and need to have faith in them,” explains Ros.

Elders Insurance Longreach is a big supporter of local charities, including Meals on Wheels and the Central West Suicide Group. Ros and her team get hands on with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to the elderly. They also go above and beyond for their customers.

“When an elderly customer could no longer drive, we delivered her magazines each week,” Ros stated.

It’s that personal touch Elders Insurance is known for. Ros and her team offer a professional and honest service, treating people the way they like to be treated.

Ros elaborates, “We know the Central Western area and can relate to our customers. We also like to use local trades people where possible to keep the money in our community.”

Thanks to seven years of drought, the Central West community has been doing it tough. Ros keeps this in mind when advising her customers.

She added, “My current advice is to only insure what you can’t afford to lose.”

Working in the community brings one of Ros’s favourite quote to the forefront: ‘There’s always someone doing it tougher than you – appreciate every day with what you have.’

The community spirit also applies to the Elders Insurance agent network. Queensland agents are very close, and often bounce ideas off each other.

“I love the comradery of my fellow agents. You can always pick up the phone and ask someone for help,” explains Ros.

Ros has a strong desire to succeed and see her team grow in confidence. She believes she wouldn’t have a successful business without the backing of her team.

Most of all, Ros is proud she’s been able to keep the business going ¬– and growing.

Ros concludes, “I’d like to think Noel would be proud of the business today, as this is his legacy.”

If you live or work in the Longreach area and would like to discuss your insurance needs, you can email Ros here.