Our involvement in Tonga

Our role in the Pacific is more than just providing banking and financial services. It’s about being part of the stability and security of a sound financial system, playing an integral role in the local economy and contributing to the social and environmental well-being of local communities.

Sponsorships and community involvement

• The Westpac Senior Students Study Assistance Program
• World Environment Day, where employees helped clean our designated area - from Nuku’alofa branch to the main bus stop
• Rotary – Children Fun Fair
• Tonga International Billfish Tournament
• Tonga Disabled Centre
• Vaiola Hospital
• Tonga Prison
• Alonga Disabled Centre
• Coastal Clean Up - Ha'apai Group

Westpac in the community

Our employees are eligible to take one Community Volunteering Leave day each year. In practical terms, they helped out the Tonga Red Cross, Tonga Side School and Vaiola Hospital as part of their leave.

Main island employees also launched an appeal encouraging people to take a tag from their ‘Giving Tree’ and buy the gift requested, with gifts being donated to the Alonga Disabled Centre. 

Financial literacy

As Australia’s first bank and one of the most sustainable banks in the world, we recognise that we have a role to play to help local communities better manage their money.

In 2008 we launched our Financial First Steps - our financial literacy workshops for school students and community groups. They're run by our trained local employees and teach participants basic money management and budgeting skills.

We also run small business workshops covering a variety of subjects for owners and employees new to the business environment. One workshop, the Introduction to Financial Management, is designed to help participants assess the financial health of a business. Special female-only workshops of this course are also held as part of our focus on women in business.

The Westpac Women’s Education Grants

In celebration of the centenary of International Women’s Day in 2011, we launched The Westpac Women’s Education Grants, which gives 3 girls/women each an opportunity to further their education with financial support from Westpac.

There are 3 categories of Grants available: primary school girl (TOP200), high school/secondary college girl (TOP200) and female tertiary student/adult worker (TOP1500).

Old PCs put to good use

Westpac Tonga donates reconditioned personal computers (PCs) to select community organisations and charities, like the Langafonua ‘a Fafine Tonga (Tonga Council of Women), as part of an upgrade to the centre’s main office and handicraft shop.

Our sustainability performance

Being part of The Westpac Group, means we are also members of - or signatories to - a number of multi-stakeholder and international organisations and agreements dedicated to raising corporate responsibility performance.

Like to know more?

To find out about our sponsorships and community involvement activities, contact Mele’ana Fifita on (676) 23933 or email mfifita@westpac.com.au