WESTPAC Australia recently celebrated their 200th birthday.
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But, rather than receiving a present, each branch gave a local community group $500.
In Muswellbrook, the Girls Academy program at Muswellbrook High School was the grateful recipient.
Girls Academy develops and empowers Aboriginal girls through leadership training, mentoring, sport and extra-curricular programs.
Muswellbrook Westpac bank manager Kath Wolters said she admired the overall quality of the program.
“They are focusing on empowering the young girls to actually complete their education and find that there is more to life after high school and that they have many more options by completing school and giving them those life skills,” she said.
The branch put the call out to the town for nominations.
“Fortunately we were given the ability to make the decision locally,” Ms Wolters said.
“So the local staff got to see how those funds would benefit the community most and vote on it that way.
“This is a fantastic cause and we’re just thrilled we can support it in some way and we’ll continue to do so.”
Girls Academy program manager Elizabeth Howard said she would be discussing with the branch how they can continue to help in the future, with the business talking about providing financial education.
“We’ve got a room that we need to kit out, so we’re looking at $500 would support that opportunity,” Ms Howard said.
“I’m all about collaboration and looking forward to collaborating further with not only Westpac but also other community services as well.”