Media releases

Westpac donates $100,000 to Queensland Premier’s disaster relief appeal

 

29 January 2013

Westpac is to donate $100,000 to the Queensland Premier’s disaster relief appeal, which has been launched to help victims of the flooding and extreme weather that has caused widespread damage across the state.

Brian Hartzer, chief executive of Westpac’s Australian Financial Services division that includes Westpac retail and business banking, St George Bank and BT Financial Group, said today: “Everyone working for Westpac Group has been deeply affected by the events over the weekend.

“Our staff have been working around the clock to help our customers in every way possible as they deal with the impact of the devastating floodwaters.

“Coming so soon after the floods of 2011, this is a major blow for Queensland. But we know how resilient the state and its people are and Westpac is committed to help.”

As well as supporting the Queensland Government and the Australian Red Cross, which has partnered with the Premier to organise the disaster relief appeal, Mr Hartzer said Westpac was mobilising its resources on the ground to help people overcome the impact of the floods.

Teams of assessors from Westpac and St George General Insurance have already been sent to the worst affected areas to begin working on claims so that these can be processed as fast as possible.

News of the initial donation to the Premier’s appeal fund comes after Westpac yesterday (January 28) announced a disaster relief package that provides immediate financial help to those customers affected by the flooding.

The package includes deferred home loan repayments, emergency credit card limit increases, restructuring of business loans without the usual establishment fees and discounted interest rates on personal loans to help purchase replacement goods.

Westpac customers who wish to utilise these special relief measures or need assistance should contact Westpac on 1300 731 073, Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497, or alternatively call their local Bank Manager.

Find further information on the disaster relief package.

Editors Note:

Donations to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal can be made through the Australian Red Cross.

Westpac is also supporting the national disaster relief appeal launched by The Salvation Army. Donations to the appeal can be made through any Westpac branch. More details can be found at The Salvation Army website.