Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Announces Support for customers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank customers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja are being offered financial relief with the Bank outlining its range of support options available to affected customers.

Alexandra Gartmann, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Corporate Affairs Executive, said "Our thoughts are with those communities and individuals impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja. The impact on areas in the path of the cyclone has been severe and it may be weeks before the full extent of the damage is realised.

"We are offering customers with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank home and business loans relief for up to three months to assist during the initial assessment and recovery phase. The package includes discounted interest rates on personal loans, fee waivers, and other concessions and we're working hard to make sure any insurance claims are responded to as quickly as possible.

"Responding to insurance claims is a high priority as is assisting people with the clean-up operation to help get them repair or rebuild and restore their homes and businesses as quickly as possible. We have assessors available to help customers through this process,” Ms Gartmann concluded.

Cyclone Assistance Package

The Bank understands the impact of the cyclone could affect customers financially and has a plan in place to help. The key features of the Assistance Package for cyclone affected customers include:

• Home Loan and Business Loan customers can seek relief on loan repayments for up to three months, after which a customised solution based on individual circumstances can be developed
• Discounted interest rates on new personal loans taken out by existing Bendigo and Adelaide Bank customers
• Waiver of fees for early withdrawals on term deposits prior to maturity
• No 'loan break' costs for customers with a fixed rate who use an insurance payment to pay out their loan
• Existing customers with home and contents insured through CGU Insurance can apply for emergency funds and temporary accommodation costs.

Bendigo Bank customers

Affected Bendigo Bank customers are advised to speak with their local Branch Manager, Business Banking Manager or contact our Mortgage Help Centre on 1300 652 146 regarding financial hardship and applying for assistance or visit: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/support/ .

Impacted Bendigo Bank Branch Updates

As at 14 April:

• Community Bank Geraldton and ATM remains closed, please visit their webpage for any updates. To locate the nearest branch, please visit locate us.
• Bendigo Bank Jurien Bay, Bendigo Bank Lancelin and Bendigo Bank Mukinbudin have re-opened.

The nearest branches to Geraldton are:

• Community Bank Dandaragan-Coorow
  11 Sandpiper Street, Jurien Bay WA. Phone: (08) 9652 2590
• Coorow Community Resource Centre
  Corner Main St and Bristol St, Coorow WA. Phone: (08) 9952 1266
• Bendigo Bank Lancelin
  442 Lancelin Plaza, Lancelin WA. Phone:(08) 9655 2973

Insurance

If you are a Bendigo Bank Insurance customer with a damaged home, rental building, car or other property please get in touch with us. We can help you make a claim or offer advice. To make a claim on your Bendigo insurance policy, please call 13 24 80.

Adelaide Bank customers

Affected Adelaide Bank customers can contact our Mortgage Help Centre on 1300 650 259 regarding financial hardship and applying for assistance.

Rural Bank customers

Rural Bank customers requiring assistance can contact their relevant Agribusiness Relationship Manager or Rural Bank Customer Service Team on 1300 660 155.

For further information:
Simon Disney
Senior Media and Public Relations Manager
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
Phone: 0408 161 466
Email: simon.disney@bendigoadelaide.com.au