Words by Smiley Team
In response to the raging bushfires in Western Australia, several banks have stepped up to offer relief packages to those worst affected.
In this positive turn of events for families who have had their homes destroyed, lenders have confirmed that customers in the regions affected around Perth may be eligible for emergency funds and temporary accommodation as well as urgent financial action such as cancelling payments and wavering fees.
The banks offering support include the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the National Australia Bank (NAB) and Westpac Group.
One of the drivers behind the relief packages is ANZ general manager Western Australia Kathleen Jahour, who said: “These fires have already destroyed dozens of homes and safety remains the number one priority for those in the path of these fires, including the brave firefighters who put so much on the line to protect us.
“At the appropriate time, when people shift their focus to recovering and rebuilding, we hope these relief measures help our customers as they deal with this devastating experience.”
Allan Maitland, Westpac’s head of retail said Westpac’s package will ensure immediate access to financial support for those who need it.
“We know that bushfires can have a significant emotional and financial toll on families and communities. We want impacted customers to know help is available if they require financial assistance during this challenging time, including home loan repayment deferrals and emergency credit card support,” he said.
Each bank is offering financial support and advice to affected customers. In order to access these emergency services, the lenders urge those who need them to visit their local branch if they are able to or to phone the bank’s helplines.
As the fires settle down, organisations will be stepping in to ensure a safe recovery for local people and wildlife. Among those working to reduce the impact is the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). While the fires blazed throughout the fires of 2020, the charity rescued injured wildlife. After the flames died down they worked to restore habitats and prepare forests for future fires.
To support the work of the WWF in Western Australia, you can make a donation from the UK.
For more information visit the WWF website.
