Media releases
Westpac announces Disaster Relief Package for customers impacted by Victorian bushfires
10 January 2026
Westpac customers directly impacted by the bushfires in in Victoria are eligible for disaster relief packages.
Damien MacRae, Westpac’s General Manager for Retail Banking said: “Westpac stands ready to support customers affected by the Victorian bushfires. Our Disaster Relief Package provides immediate financial assistance and tailored support, enabling people to focus on keeping their families safe and helping their communities recover. If you need help, please reach out as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
Support available for affected customers:
- Home loan customers can apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
- Customers with home and contents insurance may be eligible to make a claim.
- Credit card customers can apply to defer repayments to their card for up to 90 days.
- Term deposits customers can withdraw funds early without any interest rate reduction.
- Customers experiencing hardship may also be offered a halt on interest accrual on unsecured credit products for a period of up to three months.
- Business customers can apply for cash flow support through a Temporary Overdraft at a discounted interest rate. Temporary Overdrafts of up to $15,000 may be available for small businesses, and up to $50,000 for larger businesses, depending on the size and needs of the business*.
- Business loan customers may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
- Business customers with merchant facilities may be eligible to receive assistance, including monthly terminal fee refunds.
If impacted customers require more support, Westpac can work with them on a tailored solution to support them during this time.
To access financial assistance:
- Westpac consumer customers can apply online at westpac.com.au/disasterrelief, or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497.
- St.George consumer customers can apply online at stgeorge.com.au/disasterrelief, or call St.George Assist on 1800 629 795. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call St.George Assist on 1800 629 795.
- BankSA consumer customers can apply online at banksa.com.au/disasterrelief, or call BankSA Assist 1800 679 461. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call BankSA Assist 1800 679 461.
- Bank of Melbourne consumer customers can apply online at bankofmelbourne.com.au/disasterrelief or call Bank of Melbourne Assist on 1800 600 266. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call Bank of Melbourne Assist on 1800 600 266.
- Westpac’s Indigenous Call Centre Team is also available on 1800 230 144 from Monday to Friday 9am – 6:30pm CST.
* Applications will be assessed on an individual basis. Credit assessment criteria apply. Interest, fees and terms and conditions apply.
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