As the year draws to a close, we would like to extend our thanks to our valued customers, partners and colleagues for your continued trust and support throughout 2025.
In the spirit of togetherness and protection, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with joy, peace and prosperity.
Need to get in touch over the holiday period?
Public holidays we’re observing at Whitbread
During the holiday season the Whitbread office will be observing the following public holidays:
- Christmas Day Thursday 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day Friday 26 December 2025
- New Year’s Day Thursday 1 January 2026
Whitbread office hours and availability
This year, we will maintain a reduced team from Wednesday, 24 December 2025 to Friday, 9 January 2026, inclusive.
- We’ll resume full operations at 8:30am on Monday, 12 January 2026
- For urgent claims assistance during our closure period, we have included important details below
Emergency claims assistance
We understand emergencies don’t wait for business hours. If you need urgent after-hours support during the holiday period:
Contact your insurer
The fastest way to get immediate help and start the claims process is to contact your insurer directly.
Note: It’s important to remember that if the incident is not an approved insurance claim you may be responsible for applicable associated call out fees and repairs.
24/7 emergency make-safe repair hotlines
The Scotia Group | Strata clients
The Scotia Group offer Whitbread strata clients a dedicated 24 hour emergency response service, providing make safe services in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. For assistance please contact:
- Direct hotline for Whitbread clients 03 9068 4550
- Online request www.scotia.com.au/contact
Tymaline Building Services | Strata clients
Tymaline also offer strata clients a dedicated 24 hour emergency response service, providing make safe services for those in the Melbourne CBD and metropolitan area, greater Melbourne within two hours of the CBD, the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong. For assistance please contact:
- Phone 03 8870 2222
- Online request www.tbsaust.com.au/contact
Johns Lyng Group
Johns Lyng Group offer all Whitbread clients a dedicated 24 hour emergency response hotline service, providing make safe services across Australia. For assistance please contact:
- Phone 1300 945 945
- Email brokerresponse@johnslyng.com.au
Peace of mind for the festive season
The holiday season should be a time to relax, travel and connect with family and friends. But it also brings challenges – summer storms, increased security risks and the added pressures that come at the end of every year. Whether you’re switching off for a getaway, supporting residents in a thriving strata community, or steering a business through some its busiest weeks, planning ahead will give you greater peace of mind.
Around the home and while you’re away
Holiday plans usually mean more time entertaining or travelling, which can leave properties exposed to risks like weather damage and theft. A few small checks can make all the difference.
Get your home holiday-ready
Clear gutters and drains, trim overhanging branches and check seals on doors and windows to reduce the risk of water ingress or ember attack in summer storms. If you’re heading away, secure outdoor furniture, place valuables out of sight and lock up thoroughly.
Double-check your insurance cover
Make sure your home, contents or landlords cover reflects current replacement values. If something goes wrong, finding out you’re underinsured can be as heart breaking as the event itself.
Consider security
If you’re heading away, use light timers to make your home look lived in and set alarms to discourage opportunistic thieves. Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect the mail and bring in the bins – simple steps that signal that someone is keeping a close eye on the property.
Remember those seasonal extras!
- Christmas lights Use LED where possible, check cords and set timers
- BBQs Check hoses and fittings, and keep equipment well maintained before firing up
Keeping strata communities safe
For strata managers and committees, the holiday season is about supporting residents when trades and resources can be stretched.
Keep everyone informed
Circulate any changes to building access, security patrols, maintenance schedules or contractor availability ahead of the break so residents can plan with confidence.
Share emergency contacts with residents
Holiday closures can slow response times. Make sure residents know who to call for urgent repairs and how to access our after-hours emergency claims assistance.
Supporting retailers and businesses during the busiest season
For many businesses – especially retail, hospitality and services – the holidays bring high opportunity and higher risk. Careful planning helps you capture demand while staying resilient to disruption.
Keep customers in the loop
If your hours or services will change over the holidays, update your website, social channels, in-store signage and email so customers know what to expect.
Plan for disruptions
Weather events or supplier delays can derail operations. Line up alternate suppliers and consider a buffer of critical stock so you can keep trading if something unexpected occurs.
Get staffing and stock in order
December is a busy month for everyone. Lock in rosters early, recruit casuals if needed and plan inventory using last year’s patterns to avoid last-minute shortages.
Make sure you’re covered
Review your cover before the rush! Business interruption insurance and property insurance can be critical if a storm, flood or fire forces a closure. Checking policies before peak season provides peace of mind.
Planning for the weather
Long-range outlooks are useful for a general picture, but conditions vary by region and change as the date approaches. For a broad view, check the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range outlooks, then rely on the short-term local forecast as you get closer to the day. Keep an eye on the National Warnings Summary for active alerts in your area.
We’re here if you need us
Taking a few simple steps now – at home, across your strata community, or in your business – can make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
To discuss a claim, or for more information on after hours emergency assistance, please visit our dedicated Emergency Assistance and Claims page, send an email to claims@whitbread.com.au, or contact your Claims Consultant on 1300 424 627.
T: 1300 424 627
E: info@whitbread.com.au
Important notice
This article provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this article, including any information contained in it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.
Information is current as at the date the article is written as specified within it but is subject to change. Whitbread Insurance Brokers make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Various third parties have contributed to the production of this content. All information is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Whitbread Insurance Broker.
This article is not intended to be personal advice and you should not rely on it as a substitute for any form of personal advice. Please contact Whitbread Associates Pty Ltd ABN 69 005 490 228, License Number 229092 trading as Whitbread Insurance Brokers for further information or refer to our website.
