Media Release

In addition to the financial relief offered by our Disaster Relief Package, St.George is providing immediate support to bushfire affected areas with grants of up to $2000 available to customers and employees to help cover temporary accommodation, food and clothing.

The grants, offered by the Westpac Group, are part of a $1.5 million Bushfire Fund which will support the rural fire services, our customers, and other organisations assisting with the recovery process.

Ross Miller, St.George General Manager, said the bank is dedicated to providing immediate and long term financial relief so people can focus on caring for themselves, their loved ones and communities.

“The scale and impact of the bushfires is devastating, and our hearts are with our employees, customers and communities who have been affected. We are so grateful to our people who are going above and beyond to help our customers, and the emergency services and volunteers who are working tirelessly to protect the community.

“As the situation continues to unfold, our priority is to provide immediate and practical financial relief while ensuring that our branches and ATMS remain accessible wherever possible in affected regions. We understand that it could take many years for our customers, employees and communities to recover and we remain committed to supporting them over the long term."

Key contact information for customers

For St.George Financial Assistance (and to access grants up to $2000):

• St.George Assist for customers 1800 629 795

For St.George Insurance enquiries and claims:

• Home and Contents Insurance: 1300 655 489.
• Car, Boat, Caravan and Travel Insurance: 1800 812 133
• Insurance claims can be lodged 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and online at www.stgeorge.com.au

Our Bushfire Fund builds on a number of initiatives announced since the start of the extended fire season and will include:

• $500,000 in grants to immediately support customers and employees whose properties have been destroyed or damaged. Grants of up to $2000 can be accessed to help cover temporary accommodation, food and clothing;
• $300,000 to state-based volunteer fire services to continue to support the emergency workers on the front line;
• $250,000 to the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to provide grants to impacted communities to support recovery and rebuild efforts;
• $100,000 to the Victoria Bushfire Appeal, established yesterday; and
• The remaining $350,000 funds will be allocated for the rebuilding and recovery support that will be essential in the months ahead as communities rebuild homes and businesses, as well as for the rescue and rehabilitation of local wildlife.