Suncorp has made a $20,000 donation to help NSW and Queensland better handle bushfire outbreaks.

The money will be invested in better communications gear, crew welfare and training programs in the two states, which have seen some of the worst blazes especially in drought-hit areas.

“The communities impacted by the recent bushfires continue to demonstrate resilience and strength as they recover,” Suncorp Insurance CEO Gary Dransfield said.

“We are proud to stand and support the communities impacted by these devastating events and are thankful for the responders who help on the frontline.”

The Insurance Council of Australia has already declared two bushfire catastrophes – one in the Rappville area in northern NSW this month and the other last month in northern NSW and south-east Queensland combined.

The Queensland Rural Fire and Emergency Services intends to buy advanced devices for crews to stay connected in remote areas with its share of the Suncorp donation.

“Communicating with our communities when a bushfire is imminent or in active bushfire areas is a challenge and the funding provided will be used to purchase communications technology that enables contact with fire crews in remote areas,” acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Johnstone said.

“This technology will enable remote crews to communicate out of range of standard phone connections, both between brigades and back to headquarters to then notify communities.”

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the agency plans to put the donation into member welfare and training courses.

“Our highly trained teams work tirelessly to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events such as bushfires,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.

“It will extend the training and education opportunities available to our team and ensure they have the highest capability to respond appropriately, effectively and safely in times of emergency.”