Bendigo and Adelaide Bank expands support package for flood affected farmers
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has today announced it will expand its flood assistance package for agribusiness customers in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Tasmania.
The Bank will extend the deferral of agribusiness loan payments for eligible customers from three months to six months in order to support farmers inundated by floodwaters.
Chief Customer Officer Business and Agribusiness, Adam Rowse said given the circumstances, the decision to expand the package of support for flood affected agribusinesses was simply the right thing to do.
“What we’re seeing on the ground is simply devastating for many of our farmers and agribusinesses customers. Expanding our assistance package is just one small way we can help,” Mr Rowse said.
“Our farmers are the backbone of this country, providing the food we put on our tables every night. It’s critical we provide them with the support they need when times are tough,” Mr Rowse concluded.
The extension of the package adds to existing support measures such as the recent announcement from the Victorian Government that eligible farmers and primary producers in Victoria can access flood grants of $10,000 and the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 for children under 16.
Concerned customers are advised to speak with their local Branch Manager, Business Banking Manager or Agribusiness Relationship Manager when it’s safe to do so.
Bendigo Bank customers can contact our Mortgage Help Centre on 1300 652 146 for more information regarding financial hardship and applying for assistance or visit: www.bendigobank.com.au/support.
For Adelaide Bank customers the Mortgage Help Centre can be reached on 1300 650 259.
Rural Bank customers are advised to call Rural Bank direct on 1300 660 115.
For more information on Bendigo Bank’s Assistance Package visit: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/support/natural-disasters/
Mr Rowse also urged anyone wanting to make a personal contribution to donate to Bendigo Bank’s Victorian Flood Appeal.
“People who wish to support these communities are encouraged to provide monetary donations directly to the Victorian Flood Appeal as they are quicker, more effective, and provide far more flexibility than donations of material items or pre-loved goods,” Mr Rowse said.
Donations can be made at any time online or at your local Bendigo Bank branch. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
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 when you can. We can help you make a claim or offer advice. To make a claim on your Bendigo insurance policy, please call 13 24 80.
Government assistance
The Victorian Government is supporting eligible primary producers across Victoria with a $10,000 payment to help get their businesses up and running again. Flood affected primary producers can also claim up to 50 percent of costs related to the transport of feed, drinking water or stock of up to $15,000. For more information visit: www.ruralfinance.com.au/industry-programs/victorian-floods-october-2022-primary-producer-support
Victorian residents affected by the flood can also apply for payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child under the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment scheme. Eligible persons can apply for the payments via myGov or calling Services Australia on 1800 22 66.
