Elderly community members attempting to donate cash to people affected by Victoria’s bushfires say they were turned away by bank branches, prompting questions about whether traditional emergency fundraising options are disappearing.
Brian Arnott, a Moe resident, visited four major banks in Pakenham hoping to contribute $200 to those affected, but each branch refused.
“I went to Bendigo Bank, Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank. None of them were taking cash donations,” Mr Arnott said.
“I know you can do it online, that’s not the point though. People should be able to walk in and give cash.”
Mr Arnott said the experience highlighted a growing problem for older Australians who want to help during emergencies but are excluded by increasingly digital banking systems.
“What I want to give them is peanuts. 200 bucks will do something at least,” he said.
“If hundreds of people gave what they could, it would add up quickly. A lot of elderly people want to help and feel they can’t.”
He said he was particularly concerned that banks appeared unwilling to accept cash during an active bushfire emergency, noting that branches and supermarkets had played a visible role in fundraising during previous disasters.
“These people have lost homes, livestock and everything they own,” he said. “They need food and clothing, but they also need money to rebuild their lives.”
The concerns come as hundreds of firefighters continue to battle major blazes across multiple districts, including Longwood, Walwa and Alexandra, with conditions remaining unpredictable and highly dangerous. Wildlife shelters have also reported being overwhelmed with injured and orphaned animals.
Australian Banking Association CEO Simon Birmingham defended the banks, highlighting the support being provided to donors and fire-affected communities.
“Banks are providing significant support to customers and communities across Victoria who have been impacted by these devastating bushfires,” he said.
“This response has included activating disaster relief arrangements for customers who may need financial assistance, deploying mobile banking hubs, extending branch opening hours and making donations to various charities to support recovery efforts.”
Bendigo Bank:
– Launched the dedicated Victorian Bushfire Appeal via their Community Enterprise Foundation. Their website specifically mentions being able to make donations in bank branches.
– Have also activated assistance package for customers.
CommBank:
– Launched emergency assistance for impacted customers.
– Rural Aid and CommBank are also supporting farmers affected by the Victorian bushfires with a $100 000 donation, providing measures to help farming families deal with urgent livestock welfare, feed shortages, and the long-term recovery expected following days of extreme fire conditions.
– Deployed mobile banking hubs and extended branch hours in impacted areas like Yea and Alexandra for on-the-ground assistance.
Westpac:
– Announced a Disaster Relief Package for impacted customers, including allowing business customers to apply also for cash flow support through a temporary overdraft at a discounted interest rate. Temporary overdrafts of up to A$15,000 may also be available for small businesses, and up to A$50,000 for larger businesses.
NAB:
– NAB announced $1000 disaster relief grants as well as additional financial relief to customers impacted by the bushfires.
– Through the NAB Foundation, they have also provided $100 000 to the Salvation Army for emergency response.
ANZ:
– Have Disaster relief support in place for impacted customers.
– Committed $100,000 total: $50,000 to the Victorian Government’s 2026 Bushfire Appeal and $50,000 to the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) for disaster response and recovery.
Bendigo Bank told the Gazette that people wishing to support these communities are encouraged to provide monetary donations directly to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal as monetary donations are more efficient, effective, and flexible than donations of material items or pre-loved goods.
Donations can be made at any Bendigo Bank branch or online. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Other local banks were contacted for a comment.
