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12 July 2007

Westpac increases its commitment to business banking in Wagga Wagga

Westpac today unveiled another step in its commitment to regional business banking when Westpac's Chief Executive Officer, Dr David Morgan, officially opened the expanded and refurbished Wagga Wagga Business Banking Centre with Westpac's General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Graham Jennings and Charles Sturt University Chancellor, Lawrence Willett AO.

Speaking at the centre opening, Dr Morgan said the Wagga Wagga Business Banking Centre, the third of seven new or refurbished centres to open across NSW this year, highlighted Westpac's pledge to give customers improved access to local business banking services under one roof.

The Wagga Wagga centre is part of Westpac's Business Bank of Choice strategy, bringing dedicated business banking teams to local communities across Australia and expanding representation in regional business hubs.

"The opening of the refurbished Wagga Wagga Business Banking Centre marks an exciting time for Westpac and represents a significant commitment to the region," Dr Morgan said.

"Our focus is on positioning ourselves where businesses need us most. Wagga Wagga is an important hub for regional business and is ideally situated for Westpac to better serve our existing customers and provide specialist business knowledge and financial expertise to new customers."

Dr Morgan said Westpac would be investing in 12 new centres or major refurbishments to existing centres nationwide in 2007, including centres in Parramatta, Campbelltown, Wagga Wagga, Norwest, Erina, Penrith and Wetherill Park. Westpac had also recently appointed 400 new business bankers and support staff, with significant training in place for existing staff members.

Graham Jennings, Westpac General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking, said the Westpac team at the refurbished centre would provide welcome support for drought-affected agribusiness owners looking to re-build their businesses.

"The ongoing drought has had a significant impact on our customers both in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding districts," Mr Jennings said.

"Westpac has provided ongoing support through our drought assistance package since 2001 and facilities like the Wagga Wagga centre will allow us to work more closely with our customers, as they look to take advantage of any improvements in weather conditions."

The expanded services available through the new Wagga Wagga centre will allow customers to draw upon Westpac's skills in providing faster turnarounds on loan and credit applications and access to specialist advice.

"Westpac's wealth of economic information, such as the quarterly Westpac & Charles Sturt University Agribusiness Index and our Regional Economic Reports, provides customers with a snapshot of how agribusinesses are performing and timely insights into how they can stay ahead of the latest industry developments," Mr Jennings concluded.

Westpac Regional Manager, Jason Garner, said the Wagga Wagga centre's team of 15 specialists in commercial business banking, agribusiness, credit, equipment finance and financial planning offered a wealth of combined experience to local customers.

"In the next six months we will increase the number of banking managers working out of Wagga Wagga, allowing them to spend more time with their customers and enabling more decisions to be made at a local level. The centre will also bring regular networking events to the Wagga Wagga area," Mr Garner said.