Westpac Group

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

"I thought the world was ending." David thought he struck gold when he found an investment opportunity on Facebook. Here’s how Westpac’s scams team and SaferPay technology saved the 56-year-old from a complex investment scam. Click for the full story: https://lnkd.in/gd-xYgYg

Australians are losing less money to scammers, in contrast to global peers including the UK and US where losses continue to rise, according to a report by BDO commissioned by Westpac. The report shows that a collaborative effort across government, the banking sector and telcos to bolster customer protection is paying dividends, said Carolyn McCann, Westpac Group Executive, Customer and Corporate Services. Full story: https://lnkd.in/gP6vZqxk

🚴♂️ With support from a decade-long philanthropic partnership with Westpac Foundation, Good Cycles has evolved into a diverse social enterprise driving meaningful change for many young Aussies. Through their Youth Employment Program, Good Cycles has created employment pathways for more than 800 young people facing barriers to employment, such as mental health challenges, low literacy, a history of drug or alcohol use, or family violence. By creating jobs within bike retail, urban logistics, horticulture, landscape management and more, they’re steering real change. ✨ With Westpac Foundation's continued support, Good Cycles is gearing up to empower even more young people to overcome challenges and thrive. 🌱 Learn more about Good Cycles’ growth 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g8bmb2-6 #WestpacFoundation #DoingGoodIsInOurDNA #Community #Impact

⏳ With the holidays flying by, there’s a lot to look forward to in the upcoming school year for Bank of Melbourne Foundation and Down Syndrome Victoria. With the assistance of a $300,000 multi-year grant from Bank of Melbourne Foundation, Down Syndrome Victoria is launching a groundbreaking online education portal. 📚 This innovative platform will empower teachers with the tools and resources to create more inclusive classrooms, ensuring children with Down syndrome are supported to thrive. From pre-natal support to employment services and ageing well programs, Down Syndrome Victoria continues its incredible work advocating for inclusive opportunities at every life stage. 🌟 Learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/g9d3tjBU #InclusiveEducation #BankOfMelbourneFoundation #Impact #Community #DoingGoodIsInOurDNA