Diane Kerr Retires
After an extraordinary 37 years of dedicated service, Diane Kerr is retiring from the Suncorp Agency in Childers, marking the end of an era for the local community. Known and loved by generations of customers, Diane has been a familiar and trusted face in Churchill Street, serving not only long-time clients but also their children and grandchildren.
Possibly one of the smallest Suncorp agencies in Queensland, the Childers branch has played a big role in the town’s daily life. For the past 10 years, Diane worked alongside colleague Janelle, building strong relationships with customers and ensuring the agency continued to thrive. With Diane’s retirement, Janelle has now stepped into the management role, supported by her husband, ensuring the agency remains open and locally run.
Reflecting on her long career, Diane shared these heartfelt words:
“I have been at the Childers Suncorp Agency for 37 years and have served our customers, their children and their grandchildren. I loved the job: interacting with, and helping our customers, and getting to know them all very well. Now I have reached the record for being 80+, the oldest full-time worker in the Main Street in Childers, retirement calls. I am leaving the Agency in Janelle’s very capable hands and will enjoy retirement with Bob, and I would like to give a big thank you to everyone.”
Janelle also reflected on the transition and her commitment to the community:
“I have been working here at the Suncorp Agency for 10 years. My role is a Bank Teller, which is still my role. When Diane told me she was retiring, she asked me to take over the management of the Agency. I wasn’t sure at first, as it would be a big responsibility running it alone, so after discussing it with my husband I agreed to it. My husband and I have now taken on this management. I have really enjoyed my time working here and I didn’t want to see the Agency closing down as it would be a great loss to the town. All of our customers are extremely happy that we’re keeping it open and it is so rewarding to be part of our community.”
Diane’s retirement is a moment of celebration and gratitude for a lifetime of service, dedication, and genuine care for the people of Childers. As she begins this new chapter with her husband Bob, the community thanks her for decades of commitment and wishes her a happy and well-earned retirement, confident that the local Suncorp Agency remains in safe and capable hands.
Chitchat Newspaper. February 2026.