Great Southern Bank extends CareRing Pilot as part of ongoing commitment to financial inclusion
9 August 2022
Great Southern Bank is extending its CareRing pilot to support more Australians who are facing financially challenging times, the bank announced today as it reported on the outcomes of its first Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP).
Launched in March 2021, the CareRing pilot has so far helped 185 customers experiencing financial vulnerability by providing free, year-round wrap around support, including independent financial counselling, support for incidents of family violence and help accessing government services.
“As Australia’s largest customer-owned bank, providing access to fair and affordable finance and helping Australians improve their financial wellbeing is part of our DNA,” said Paul Lewis, CEO and Managing Director of Great Southern Bank.
“Financial exclusion goes right to the heart of who we are - we’re here to help all Australians achieve financial stability, ultimately by owning their own home. Through the CareRing project and other initiatives we’ve delivered as part of our FIAP we are pleased to be helping create a more financially inclusive Australia.”
Other key highlights from the report include:
- A new customer vulnerability standard incorporating known best practice which is being embedded within our business with support from EY.
- Helping more than 4,250 Australians through ongoing support for Government-backed schemes aimed at removing financial barriers to home ownership and helping more people get onto the housing ladder earlier.
Find out more about our Financial Inclusion Action Plan and work on sustainability.
About Great Southern Bank
For over 75 years, we’ve been putting our customers first, and today we look after the financial needs of more than 381,000 Australians. We have changed our name from CUA to Great Southern Bank but we remain customer owned and firmly focused on helping all Australians own their own homes.
Media contact:
Michael O’Toole
Corporate Communications Manager
Mobile: 0428 051 754
Email: Michael.otoole@gsb.com.au