National Australia Bank (NAB) today announced it would donate $50,000 to both the Country Women’s Association of NSW and the Queensland Country Women’s Association contributing to their drought relief funds to support farming families.

NAB has also committed to matching a public fundraising campaign of up to $50,000 of donations on behalf of both associations ($25,000 each).

“This is a tough time and we want the people of NSW and QLD to know that we are here to help,” said Julie Rynski, NAB Customer Executive Regional and Agriculture.

“These donations will go directly to farmers and their families who are experiencing the prolonged drought conditions and support immediate needs like household expenses.

“Every dollar that is donated goes directly to those who need it most. I encourage others to use our internet banking, or visit our branches in NSW and QLD, to add to the effort.”

Country Women’s Association of NSW State President Annette Turner and Queensland Country Women’s Association State President Joy Coulson both welcomed the donation.

“On behalf of the Country Women’s Association of NSW, I am pleased to see that NAB is encouraging its customers to talk to their banker. This is terribly important as many clients do not realise they have the option to do this, to make their ‘journey’ less stressful,” Ms Turner said.

“On behalf of the Queensland Country Women’s Association we would like to thank NAB for their generous donation which will boost our funds in supporting families in our remote and rural areas by giving assistance in paying bills and providing food vouchers,” Ms Coulson said.

“The aim of providing assistance through delivery of food vouchers or store credit is to ensure that the shops and stores in these remote communities stay open and provide necessities to the people.”

Donations can be made over-the-counter at any NAB branch in NSW and QLD, or by logging on to internet banking at nab.com.au. Select Funds Transfer » Donation » Charity » Country Women’s Association of NSW or Queensland Country Women’s Association.

People affected by drought in NSW can apply for a $3000 donation (per family) for a variety of needs from the Country Women’s Association of NSW Disaster Relief Fund online at https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid

People affected by drought in QLD can apply for a $500 store voucher (per family) for a variety of needs from the Queensland Country Women’s Association’s Public Rural Crisis Fund online at http://www.qcwa.org.au/what-we-do/public-rural-crisis-fund/

Additional measures that may be available to eligible NAB customers include:

• Extension of loan terms, consideration of restructure of loan repayments to interest only and waiver of all associated extension/restructure fees;
• Credit card and personal loan relief where appropriate;
• Suspension of home and personal loan repayments;
• Waiving costs and charges for early withdrawal of Term Deposits (including Farm Management Deposits);
• Waiving home loan and personal loan application fees; and
• Provision of support and counselling through NAB’s Employee Assistance Program

For further information:

Media

Calum Young

M: +61 (0) 472 863 630

NAB Media Line

M: +61 (0) 3 8641 0180