Media releases

Westpac announces support for WA customers impacted by Cyclone Seroja

13 April 2021

Westpac has rolled-out its emergency assistance package for households and businesses affected by the severe weather events in Western Australia.


Chris de Bruin, Westpac Chief Executive Consumer & Business Banking, said the package will provide a range of financial support measures for customers.


“Cyclone Seroja has caused widespread damage impacting households and businesses across Western Australia’s mid-west coast including the towns of Kalbarri and Northampton,” Mr de Bruin said.


“We want our customers to know as they return to their homes and businesses to assess the damage left behind by Cyclone Seroja, that we are on hand to provide help when they need it.


“We have activated our emergency assistance package to provide customers access to urgent financial support, including a range of measures like home loan deferrals and emergency credit card relief.


“Our customer assistance teams are ready to talk to customers who need to access this support, and we have proactively contacted our home and contents insurance customers where possible,” he said.


Westpac’s emergency assistance package includes a range of options* for both business and retail customers, such as:
 

  • Home loan customers may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
  • Credit card customers may request to defer repayments for up to 90 days.
  • Customers wishing to purchase replacement goods may apply for a personal loan at a discounted interest rate with no establishment fee.
  • Waived interest rate adjustments for customers wishing to withdraw term deposits.
  • Business customers may request loan restructuring with no fees incurred.


Customers who need assistance with their banking can contact Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497.

Insurance customers

Westpac customers with Home and Contents insurance may also be eligible to receive access to emergency funds and temporary accommodation under the terms of their policy. Affected customers can contact Westpac on 1300 369 989, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit our website for more information or to make a claim online.


Staying safe and what to do if your home is damaged:
 

  • Take photographs and video of the damage, but only if it is safe to do so.
  • If your home is damaged and isn’t safe, call your insurer to see if you can access emergency accommodation and advice on how to secure the property.
  • Be wary of ‘storm chasers’ - there has been a rise in the number of cases of people falling victim to unethical operators that may door knock or drop leaflets offering inspection reports or emergency repairs. If in doubt, check their reviews and call your insurer.
  • Contact your mortgage provider, if you have one, to let them know what’s happened.
  • If you’re concerned your home is at risk of further damage, contact your insurer.


More information about the support available for customers impacted by Tropical Cyclone Seroja is available online at Westpac’s Disaster Help Hub: westpac.com.au/disasterhelp.


For emergency assistance in severe weather, contact the WA State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500, or call 000 (triple zero) for life-threatening emergencies. 

 

Media enquiries:

Georgie Hay
Senior Media Manager
0404 892 199

Westpac Media Relations
westpacmediarelations@westpac.com.au

 

*Westpac Home & Contents Insurance is issued by Westpac General Insurance Limited (WGIL) ABN 99 003 719 319 (except workers compensation cover where applicable). Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 (the Bank) arranges the insurance but does not guarantee the insurance. This information does not take into account your personal circumstances. Terms, conditions and limitations and exclusions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement to see if this insurance is right for you.  WGIL is a subsidiary of the Bank.

*Eligibility and credit criteria, terms and conditions apply. This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial information into account.  For further information or to request the full terms and conditions please contact Westpac on the numbers stated above.

© Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.