Commonwealth Bank has announced it will provide emergency assistance to its customers and businesses in flood-affected areas in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The bank says northwest Western Australia is currently in the midst of a flood emergency and it knows other communities are also feeling the impacts of significant weather events.
“CBA is here to support affected customers,” said Commonwealth Bank retail banking services group executive Angus Sullivan (pictured above).
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by dangerous flooding across a number of remote communities in the Kimberley and we thank emergency services who are working tirelessly to protect these communities. We are here to alleviate some concern with a range of support measures for our customers.”
ABC News reported that Indigenous communities have been left without power and central Kimberley residents are being evacuated to Broome. Storm conditions over the past week due to ex-tropical cyclone Ellie has resulted Fitzroy Crossing, about five hours east of Broome, experiencing record flooding. Broome and Derby are likely to become inaccessible by road, with over 300mm of rain in 48 hours.
CBA’s emergency assistance includes a range of options including:
- Customised payment arrangements for home loans, credit card, personal loan and some business loans
- Waiving fees and charges
- Temporary overdrafts, additional loans or emergency credit limit increases (subject to credit approval)
- Waiving fees and notice periods for early access to term deposits
- For customers who have taken out home insurance distributed by CommBank, Hollard Insurance Partners Limited (Hollard) can assist with emergency accommodation if your home has been damaged
- Loan restructuring for business customers and existing loans
- Waiving fees for temporary and damaged merchant EFTPOS terminals, as well as support with merchant terminal rental fees
- Hollard can also expedite claims for customers seeking help for their home and contents if they took out their home insurance through CommBank
CBA customers can access this support by contacting CBA via the CommBank app, on 1800 314 695 or visit in branch if it is safe to do so.
In December, CBA opened a new Lismore branch following the flooding disaster in early 2022.
“Like so many homes and businesses, our branch was submerged by the East Coast floods this year,” said Stephanie Darragh, CBA Lismore branch manager. “It has been the most trying and overwhelming period for so many people in our community, so our focus has been to always be there for Lismore, both in the immediate aftermath and while the town rebuilds.”
