Financial Assistance Hub
Search for policy, media releases and more

Victorian floods: on the ground

Home News & ResourcesVictorian floods: on the ground
Victorian floods: on the ground

24 November 2022

The ABA recently visited regional Victoria to see the impact of the recent floods first-hand.

The tour of Rochester and Echuca was set up to share the support available by banks and encourage customers affected to contact their bank.
The ABA also gathered feedback from impacted bank customers and the local community to hear what further help banks can offer to assist people to get back on their feet.
ABA team members unofficially attended a town hall meeting held by the Insurance Council of Australia as observers.
They also visited businesses damaged by the floods, including local bank branches, and provided information to on-the-ground financial counsellors and governmental emergency agencies so they could best support those affected.

After the floods: images of Echuca and Rochester

  • Bendigo Bank, Rochester Branch, after flooding.
  • Inundated wharves of the Echuca Paddlesteamers on the Murray River
  • Kendall Beattie, Regional Manager, Bendigo Bank, James Pietromonaco, Manager, Bendigo Bank (Rochester) and Ellen Choulman, Director Business Engagement and Policy ABA.
  • Sandbagged house in Echuca
  • Street in Echuca
  • Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, speaking at the town hall meeting in Rochester
  • Bendigo Bank, Rochester Branch, after flooding.
  • Inundated wharves of the Echuca Paddlesteamers on the Murray River
  • Kendall Beattie, Regional Manager, Bendigo Bank, James Pietromonaco, Manager, Bendigo Bank (Rochester) and Ellen Choulman, Director Business Engagement and Policy ABA.
  • Sandbagged house in Echuca
  • Street in Echuca
  • Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, speaking at the town hall meeting in Rochester

Banks are here to support you: don’t tough it out on your own

Find out more

Recent news

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Independent review of Banking Code kicks-off
4 September 2026

The ABA has today announced that former ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell will undertake the five yearly independent review of the Banking Code of Practice, the rule book that sets standards of service for customers. The Code sets out consumer protections and safeguards that are in addition to the law for individuals, small business customers… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome designation of Armaguard within Cash Distribution Framework
3 September 2026

ABA welcomes today’s move by the Reserve Bank of Australia to designate Armaguard under the recently legislated Cash Distribution Framework Act. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said this was an important step in providing ongoing stability to the distribution and availability of cash across the economy. “The Cash Distribution Framework is an important piece of regulatory… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on ABC Sunshine Coast with Tim Wong-See
3 September 2026

E&OERadio InterviewABC Sunshine Coast3 September 2026. Topics: Upcoming card surcharge ban Tim Wong-See: Now, from the start of next month, credit card surcharge fees are being abolished following a recommendation from the Reserve Bank of Australia. So, all those extra charges that annoy a lot of you when it comes to tap and pay will… Read more »

Read more