Media releases

The Westpac Group commits $100,000 to the Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfires Appeal 2013

 

9 January 2013

The Westpac Group today announced it would contribute a total of $100,000 to the Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal 2013 to help those impacted by the bushfires in Tasmania.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the bushfires here in Tasmania. Considering the devastation, The Westpac Group has committed funds to assist with the recovery required to assist those who need the most immediate help,” said David Fagan, Tasmanian State General Manager, Westpac Retail & Business Banking.

“We share the sentiment of all Australians as to the severe nature of this tragedy and extend our deepest sympathies to all those individuals who have been impacted by the devastation.”

In addition to the donation, David Fagan said The Westpac Group is continuing to canvas all options to provide additional support for those in need through the local branches and contact centres. We are also fast-tracking insurance claims and assessors are on the ground and ready to assist all Westpac customers in the worst affected areas with temporary accommodation and emergency funds.

The Westpac Group will also be matching any employee donations made to bushfire-related appeals dollar-for-dollar.

Westpac is also offering a Disaster Relief Package to all bushfire-impacted customers in Tasmania and has encouraged customers to seek the bank’s support. The relief package offers the following assistance:

The Disaster Relief Package offers:

  • Affected customers with Westpac home loans may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
  • Affected businesses with existing loans can request loan restructuring without incurring the usual bank establishment fees.
  • Affected credit card customers may request an emergency credit limit increase.
  • Affected credit card customer may apply defer repayments to their card for up to 90 days.
  • Customers wishing to purchase replacement goods may apply for a personal loan at a discounted interest rate with no establishment fee.
  • Westpac will waive interest rate adjustments for affected customers wishing to withdraw term deposits.
  • Affected Westpac customers with home and contents insurance may be eligible to receive assistance including emergency funds and temporary accommodation.

Customers experiencing severe hardship will also be offered a halt on all interest accrual on unsecured credit products for a period of up to three months.

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

Insurance customers

All affected customers should contact Westpac on 1300 369 989 so that we can assist with temporary accommodation and emergency funds. Claims can be lodged 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling this number.

Our assessors on the ground are ready to assist all of our customers in the affected areas. Customers should not put themselves at risk by going into affected areas to retrieve insurance documents or to take photographs. We understand proof of loss may not be possible and we will accept the word of customers in these instances.

Donations

We are collecting donations on behalf of Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfires Appeal 2013*. Anyone wishing to make a donation can deposit money using the following account details:

Account name: Tasmanian Bush Fires Appeal
BSB number: 037621
Account number: 204523

We are also accepting donations on behalf of The Salvation Army who are currently providing immediate assistance to communities affected by bushfires across south-east Australia. This assistance will initially include meals, water, as well as moral and emotional support to families and individuals in need.

Account Name: The Salvation Army
BSB Number: 032006
Account Number: 810633
Serial Number: 111888 (must be included on all deposits to identify donations to Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal)

* Funds raised through the Tasmanian Bushfires Appeal 2013 will be used to assist individuals, families and communities directly affected by the January 2013 Tasmanian bushfires. Australian Red Cross will not deduct any funds from public donations for appeal or administration costs. Should the funds raised exceed the amount required, Australian Red Cross will use any excess funds to assist in future disasters in Australia. All interest earned on donations will be invested back into the appeal. The funds raised will be distributed through an independent committee which will involve community input.

Westpac Home & Contents Insurance is issued by Westpac General Insurance Limited and distributed by Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 (the Bank). The Bank does not guarantee the insurance.