Media releases
Westpac expands support for flood-affected communities
9 March 2022
- Westpac will donate $200,000 to the Salvation Army Flood Appeal with additional matched employee donations
- Builds on $2 million flood support fund launched for small businesses
- Defence Reserve employees to receive paid leave if called to support
- Westpac’s ‘Bank in a Box’ to provide urgent banking assistance in Lismore
With floods continuing to impact communities throughout Queensland and New South Wales, Westpac has committed additional support to help more flood-affected households and businesses get back on their feet.
The additional support builds on a $2 million fund launched last week to help small businesses with emergency expenses and will include a $200,000 donation to the Salvation Army Flood Appeal.
Westpac Group Chief Executive, Peter King, said: “We know thousands of Australians are going through an extremely challenging time right now, with the full devastation of these floods not yet realised as the situation continues to unfold.
“We know many of our people and customers require immediate access to financial relief to get through the coming days and weeks. Hundreds of customers have already sought urgent support through mortgage repayment deferrals or small business grants to help alleviate some of the short-term pressures.
“We are pleased to support both our Defence Reservists who want to assist in the emergency responses, as well as The Salvation Army who are on the ground helping residents in evacuation centres,” Mr King said.
Helping the helpers
Westpac has deployed its mobile ‘Bank in a Box’ which will set up in Lismore, NSW to support with urgent banking needs. The portable bank means customers can access ATMs to withdraw funds and speak with bankers to assist with support options.
“With thousands of our people and over 100 branches based in impacted areas, we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our employees who are eager to get behind recovery efforts in any way they can, and Westpac will match every dollar that’s donated by employees to the floods appeal,” Mr King added.
Recognising the critical role of the Defence Reserves in aiding the flood recovery, Westpac has also today updated its Defence Reserves Leave Policy. This means Westpac employee Defence Reservists will receive paid leave if they get a Call Out to assist with emergency support.
Westpac’s support for flood-affected customers:
- Disaster relief. A range of emergency support options are available for impacted Westpac and St.George customers, including access to mortgage and credit card repayment deferrals.
- Helping small business. $2 million fund launched to support impacted small businesses, where eligible customers can apply for $3,000 cash grants.
- Community support. A $200,000 donation to the Salvation Army Flood Appeal, with any additional employee donations to be further matched by Westpac. Customers are also able to donate to the Salvos through Westpac’s mobile banking app.
- Bank in a Box. On-the-ground support will be rolled-out in Lismore through Westpac’s portable ‘Bank in a Box’, so customers can access funds and other banking services.
More information about the support options available for customers is available via the Westpac and St.George Bank websites. Customers can also call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497 or St.George Assist on 1800 629 795.