Westpac Banking : pledges $100,000 for local community organisations still impacted by Cyclone Debbie

01 August, 2017

• Applications for Westpac Group's Disaster Recovery Grants program are now open
• Westpac has pledged a further $100,000 to community organisations still experiencing hardship from ex Tropical Cyclone Debbie who need further assistance to rebuild and repair
• Grants of up to $10,000 per organisation are available

Westpac has today announced a $100,000 Disaster Recovery Program to assist in the rebuild and repair of community organisations still suffering hardship following ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie which devastated areas of North and South East Queensland.

Grants up to the value of $10,000 will be awarded to worthy, local community organisations that make a real difference in their communities.

Support will prioritise projects that facilitate social, economic and community recovery, and improve the resilience of these disaster-affected communities. These projects may include:

• Repair and rebuilding of community infrastructure, to ensure local residents and community groups have places to meet and to coordinate and hold community activities.
• Regeneration of people and places, recognising that disaster recovery can lead to stress and anxiety and reduced capacity to fundraise.
• Economic development activities that assist with returning tourism to impacted regions and capturing opportunities for economic renewal.

Westpac's State General Manager for Queensland, Greg Crocombe said Westpac has a long and proud history of helping create better futures for those in our local communities.

'We know local communities really prosper when they have comprehensive support. Our long-standing commitment to the Queensland community remains very strong; through our 200 Community Grants program, in times of crisis via our Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, our partnership with the Salvation Army and now our Disaster Recovery Grant program.'

'With natural disasters, we know it is often when 'the waters subside' that the real impact of such devastation is felt - and this is why we have chosen to pledge a further $100,000 at this time.'

Applications are open now until 5pm, Friday 15 September 2017 and will be assessed by our Disaster Recovery Grants Committee. Grant recipients will be announced in October 2017.

To check grant eligibility criteria and apply, please contact your local Westpac branch or visit: https://westpacgroup.smartygrants.com.au/NDRF2017