Media releases
Westpac extends support to communities affected by bushfires in Western Australia
17 January 2014
- $25,000 donated to The Salvation Army’s WA Bushfire Relief Appeal
- Grants available through the Natural Disaster Recovery fund to help re-building and recovery efforts in Western Australia
Westpac has today announced that it is donating $25,000 to help communities affected by bushfires in Western Australia through The Salvation Army's WA Bushfire Relief Appeal.
Westpac will also be providing grants to local community groups impacted by the recent Perth Hills bushfires to assist with the longer-term rebuilding and recovery of the local community.
Gai McGrath, General Manager, Westpac Retail Banking said today: "We understand this is a very difficult time for our customers and those communities impacted by the bushfires across Western Australia and we hope these initiatives will go a long way to help people rebuild their lives after such a devastating loss.
“We want to ensure that all employees, customers and communities know that if they need the support, we will be there. Anyone who needs assistance or advice can contact us so we can discuss their circumstances and work out the best way to help.
“I would also like to emphasise our thanks and appreciation to our people who are volunteering with the emergency services, or working tirelessly to help our customers when they need us most.”
The natural disaster recovery fund which was established in October 2013, and is administered by the Westpac Group, will invite applications from local community groups who have been affected by natural disasters and need financial help to re-build community facilities that have been destroyed or damaged. The creation of the new fund comes almost 200 years after the Bank of NSW, the predecessor of the Westpac Group, launched the first disaster relief fund in Australia to help victims of the Hawkesbury River flood in NSW in 1817-18.
The Salvos are a long-term community partner of Westpac Group, with teams currently on the ground providing support to fire & SES crews and helping people who have lost their homes.
Personal donations to the Salvation Army’s WA Bushfire Relief Appeal can be made through Westpac branches or online, quoting the following information
Appeal name: WA Bushfire Appeal
Account name: The Salvation Army
BSB Number: 032 006
Account Number: 810 633
Serial Number: 222 333 (important: please include to ensure the donation goes directly to this appeal)
Today's announcement comes after Westpac earlier this week unveiled a relief package to assist customers who are suffering hardship as a result of the latest bushfires in Western Australia.
The Disaster Relief Package offers immediate financial help to customers affected by the bushfires, with Westpac staff providing additional support for those in need through the local branches and contact centres. Find further information on the disaster relief package.