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Westpac has today announced a new partnership with Queensland Rugby Union which will see the bank become the front of jersey partner of the Queensland Reds and Reds Super W teams until 2023. 

With a longstanding commitment to helping Queensland communities thrive, central to the partnership will be a focus on supporting the development of women’s sport as well as encouraging equal opportunities and involvement in the game across all levels. 

The two-year deal builds on Westpac Group’s existing 13-year partnership with QRU through St.George Bank, which will remain a partner throughout the 2022 season. It includes:

• Equal bonus commitment: Reds Super W team will receive a matching finals bonus to the Reds men’s team.
• Community investment: A $100,000 commitment to local sporting clubs in Queensland through Westpac’s Footy Grants program.
• Westpac Chopper kick-off: Westpac will donate $500 to the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in Queensland for every Reds try scored by the men’s and women’s teams in 2022.

Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive, David Hanham, said the partnership marked a significant milestone for the sport in Queensland noting “today’s announcement with Westpac is not just a traditional sponsorship, but a true partnership between two organisations dedicated to delivering and supporting a range of community programs that will benefit the Queensland community.

Westpac Chief Customer Engagement Officer, Ross Miller, advised that the partnership will also focus on developing the game throughout Queensland communities.

“We’re really excited to be building on our already longstanding partnership with Queensland Rugby Union. With over 1.6 million Westpac Group customers in Queensland and millions of rugby fans across the country, we also recognise the important role the sport plays throughout Australian communities.

“What’s really special about this partnership is that it’s more than just a sponsorship, but a collaboration that will focus on the development of the sport while also ensuring equal opportunities across all levels of the game – from grassroots to the elite,” Miller said.

As part of the partnership, the Reds Super W team will receive a finals bonus equal to that of the men’s team. If successful in their 2022 finals campaign, the Super W bonus funds will be reinvested back into the development of the women’s program.

Supporting Queensland communities
Recognising the important role of sport in Queensland communities, Westpac will commit $100,000 for local clubs with its inaugural Westpac Footy Grants program set to launch in 2022. Through the program, sporting clubs will have the chance to apply for funding to support with equipment, uniforms, club repairs or other administrative costs that help keep the club thriving in their local area.

Westpac will also donate $500 to the state’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service for every try scored by the Queensland Reds and Reds Super W teams throughout the entire 2022 season.

Operated by Surf Life Saving Queensland and supported by Westpac since 1976, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service plays a vital role in the state as a free community service that provides support through beach patrols, search and rescue missions and assisting with other emergency response incidents. Because of this support to date, no one has ever had to pay to be rescued.

Image: Queensland Reds Super W team. Credit Australian Rugby

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