Bankwest branch handover supports Anglicare WA flood-relief efforts

Bankwest has arranged for free-of-charge access to its Kununurra branch by community partner Anglicare WA, which will use the facility as a base from which to support its flood-relief efforts in the Kimberley.

The Bankwest Kununurra branch has been unable to open since August 2022 due to ongoing staffing challenges in the region, as it requires a minimum of two colleagues on-site to meet safety and security requirements.

However, Bankwest identified an opportunity to repurpose the branch after discussions with Anglicare WA revealed the community partner’s challenge in securing additional space in the region to support its flood-relief activities.

Bankwest underpins Anglicare WA’s Thread Together program, which restores dignity to people experiencing hardship, with a mobile van and stylist providing clients with free new fashion clothing, saving them from landfill.

The Bankwest Kununurra branch, which is conveniently located across the road from the current Anglicare WA premises in the town, will provide the organisation with valuable additional space for its Thread Together services.

Clothes from Thread Together programs on the east coast will be delivered directly to Kununurra and stored in the branch, enabling Anglicare WA to sort the clothing for convoys bound for communities across the East Kimberley.

Anglicare WA’s initial flood-relief response will focus on providing support to those experiencing immediate need, including through Thread Together, before complementing efforts with counselling services for affected residents.

Bankwest Executive General Manager Jason Chan said Bankwest’s partnerships and sponsorships, addressing social and economic issues impacting customers, were a key pillar of the organisation’s ongoing support for WA.

“We’re really pleased we can support our community partner Anglicare WA’s much-needed efforts in the region through using the Kununurra branch as part of their recovery program for the community,” he said.

“The CBA Group, including Bankwest, made a financial contribution of $50,000 to the City of Perth’s Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, and we’ll continue to explore ways in which we can provide further tangible support.”

Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said: “Anglicare WA is grateful for our ongoing partnership with Bankwest, and allowing us to use their space in Kununurra means we can upscale our support to flood-affected communities in the Kimberley.

“Our organisation has been part of the Kimberley community for decades, supporting local people through a broad range of services. Our staff not only work there, it’s also their home, with many personally affected by the recent floods.

“Our response to the flooding is guided by the advice of Anglicare WA regional staff and local community leaders. We are grateful to have the Bankwest Kununurra branch building so we can deliver brand new clothes from Thread Together to flood-affected residents - many of whom were left with only the outfits they were wearing.”