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National Australia Bank (NAB) and its customers have topped $1 million in donations to the Premier's Cyclone Larry Relief Appeal.
Donations made through NAB branches nationally for the Premier's Cyclone Larry Relief Appeal have exceeded $830,000, with NAB contributing a further $250,000. NAB has also committed an additional $250,000 to assist local communities with the rebuilding programme in far North Queensland.
Julian Pearce, Chairman of the NAB's Queensland Leadership Team said: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers, staff and the public.
"Our local staff are extremely busy helping customers assess their financial circumstances and offering relief and support on credit cards, mortgages and personal or business loans.
"Staff at the Innisfail branch have worked tirelessly in very difficult circumstances without mains power and after debris ripped large holes in the roof. The Bank's credit teams are very committed to fast-tracking processes to help clients.
"Customers can contact their banker, visit any of our branches or ring 1300 885 265 for assistance.
NAB's Innisfail Agribusiness Manager Andrew Portelli is expecting the phone to continue ringing as people start to put longer-term plans in place.
"We've been attending community meetings in Innisfail to discuss Government assistance packages and keeping an eye on Centrelink's website for updates," Andrew said.
"It's important we stay in touch with what is on offer and the criteria people will have to meet so we can discuss those options with customers as well as the products and assistance being provided by the Bank."
Andrew is confident that the vast majority of businesses - including farmers - will be able to work through the set-backs created by Cyclone Larry.
"We know from first-hand experience how hard it is to get back to normal, so we have been waiting for customers to approach us when they're ready.
"However, over the next few weeks we'll get back into our regular routine of visiting farms and businesses around town, to see how they've been affected and how we can help."
NAB Agribusiness Managers on the Atherton Tableland are already out visiting their affected customers and working with them to determine the best financial options available to get back in business.
NAB's total package of relief measures, including financial assistance for affected clients, is estimated to contribute over $1 million to those in need.
Donations to the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal can be made at any NAB branch.
For further information, please contact:
Patrick Southam
Corporate Affairs Managers
T (02) 9237 1690
M 0419 415 998
Geoff Lynch
Head of Media Relations
T (03) 8634 1564
M 0405 319 819
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