Westpac Group

While Aussie consumers are feeling better about their household finances, they’re still taking a cautious approach to spending. It’s a not too hot, not too cold scenario that should give the RBA confidence that inflation will continue to cool in line with its expectations, says Westpac Economist Matthew Hassan. Full story, here: https://lnkd.in/gDHwjt9V

With the support of a three-year Inspire Grant from St.George Foundation, Australian Schools Plus is reshaping the future of education for rural and remote communities via the Australian Virtual STEM Academy (VSA) ✨ Each year, the program connects close to 200 schools with real-time, gamified learning. Students collaborate with peers, STEM educators, and industry leaders, unlocking critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, and curiosity—laying the foundation for tomorrow’s innovators, scientists, and leaders💡 The Academy also supports Australian educators, delivering professional development through partnerships with universities, industry, and government organisations, ensuring a brighter STEM future for rural communities 🤝 The future of education is here—and it’s virtual, innovative, and limitless. Learn more about this initiative 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gJR9S97t #StGeorgeFoundation #DoingGoodisInOurDNA #Impact #Education #STEM ✨ Kate Ross Jane Ogilvie Ian Preston Allen Schofield Sally-Anne O'Brien McGeoch Matt Ferns

For many startups and small businesses, legal costs and business admin can be among the biggest drains on time and resources. Westpac is looking to help entrepreneurs better manage these pressures via a partnership with Lawpath, an online platform that provides businesses with access to affordable legal services, as well as accounting and compliance technology solutions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ghf4mgdc

💵🫏A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money for someone else. Criminals recruit money mules to move funds or clean the dirty money they've obtained via criminal activities such as drugs, human trafficking or fraud and scams. Unfortunately, new migrants to Australia are particularly vulnerable to acting unwittingly as money mules. In the latest Scam Spot, Westpac’s Head of Fraud Prevention shares some tips on how to avoid falling into the trap. Full story - including translated videos in Hindi and Mandarin - here: https://lnkd.in/gB3fetvE

Inflation eased by more than expected in the December quarter, with the underlying rate ⬇️ to its lowest in three years, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Westpac economists say that this could give the RBA the reassurance it needs to start cutting the cash rate as soon as next month. Read more about the key takeaways from the latest data, below.

BankSA Foundation 2024 Inspire Grant recipient, Ngutu College, is reshaping education by offering a model focused on equity, diversity, and social justice ✨ Their innovative programs are now expanding, including efforts to help Aboriginal people gain teaching qualifications, fostering a culturally safe environment. This initiative is empowering Aboriginal educators while redefining the future of equality and opportunity. 🔥   Learn more about their impactful work here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ganex398 #InternationalDayofEducation #BankSAFoundation #Community #Impact #DoingGoodisInOurDNA ✨ Dayna Brassil Andrew Plastow

Westpac Foundation 2024 Inclusive Employment Grant recipient, All Things Equal, is serving up opportunities both on and off the court at this year’s Australian Open! 🎾 During the tournament, All Things Equal will generate 325 hours of award-wage employment through its food and beverage outlet and Balaclava café. It's also supported six trainees to secure jobs directly with the Australian Open, creating life-changing opportunities for people of all abilities. This incredible effort is a true game, set, and match win for inclusive employment. Congratulations to the All Things Equal team for inspiring us all! 🏆🎉 #WestpacFoundation #DoingGoodIsInOurDNA #InclusiveEmployment ✨ Bianca Stern Jess Colgan

From Coffs Harbour to Bendigo, Westpac business lending data shows that parts of regional Australia are booming. Despite economic headwinds, business credit in regional areas is growing fast, with Westpac reporting a 12.4% increase over the past two years. 📈 “As we’re seeing more Australians move from capital cities to regional areas in search of more affordable housing and lifestyle factors, businesses are following suit,” says Shane Howell, Westpac's GM of Commercial Banking. Discover why regional centres like Launceston, Mackay and the Gold Coast are the new business hotspots - click to read more https://lnkd.in/gmMEXCNq

This just in! 📢   Westpac Foundation is set to support the creation of 300+ new jobs for people facing barriers to employment following the award of two Employment Partnership Grants to Fruit2WorkAus and Ability Enterprises 👏   Valued at $300,000 each over three years, these grants will empower both social enterprises to scale their operations, helping even more marginalised Queenslanders and previously incarcerated people to rebuild their lives. Learn more about the inspiring work of the Foundation's long-term grant partners here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gGcY5bHt #WestpacFoundation #DoingGoodIsInOurDNA #InclusiveEmployment #Community #Impact

While the Australian dollar’s sharp drop against the U.S. dollar in recent months will certainly have been felt by Aussies visiting the U.S. over the holiday season, it’s part and parcel of having a free-floating currency which acts as an important “shock absorber” for the economy, as Westpac Chief Economist Luci Ellis explains. The Aussie currency has enjoyed a reprieve this week, with the US$ falling broadly after President Trump held off on imposing import tariffs in his first day in office. Still, the underlying factors behind the U.S. dollar's surge remain in place, says Westpac's Head of FX Strategy Richard Franulovich, CQF, who isn't ruling out further weakness in the A$. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQvUGw7C