Shareholder email – 200 years supporting Australia

7 April, 2017
Dear Shareholder,
The 8
th
of April, 2017 marks Westpac’s 200
th
anniversary as Australia’s first bank, and oldest
company. As an owner of Westpac, you share in the proud story of our company: indeed many
of our shareholders’ family holdings have passed through generations.
Given your support, I wanted to share with you an overview of how we are marking this
significant milestone with a number of gifts designed to help Australia continue to thrive in our
third century of business.
The Westpac story is the red thread that winds through the tapestry of history in Australia and
New Zealand.
Two centuries ago, Governor Lachlan Macquarie had the foresight to call for the creation of a
local currency—and a bank to issue it—to support the development of a private economy in the
fledgling colony of New South Wales. On the 8
th
of April, 1817 three employees of the Bank of
New South Wales opened the doors to our first customer in a property owned by Mary Reibey,
around 200 metres from where today the ferries dock at Sydney’s Circular Quay.
Since then we have continued to support the growth of trade and commerce in Australia and
New Zealand.
There have been the inevitable ups and downs but just as these nations have grown and
adapted, so too has the Bank of New South Wales—now called Westpac.
Today, our 40,000 people serve over 13 million customers across Australia and New Zealand.
We are Australia’s second largest company, with a market capitalisation of over $100 billion.
And you are one of more than 600,000 shareholders owning over three billion shares in
Westpac.
Our company is in excellent shape: we are strong across all key financial dimensions; our
service strategy sets us up well for a changing environment; and we’re continuing to manage
the business for the long term—with the goal of building customer relationships that last
decades, if not centuries.
Marking our bicentenary with more possibility
As a bank, our success has always been closely tied to the success of our customers and of the
communities in which we operate. And so as we celebrate our first 200 years we are also

taking this opportunity to invest in the individuals, businesses, and community organisations that
will shape our region’s future. These initiatives include:
200 Westpac scholars: Through our $100 million Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, we have
now awarded our 200
th
scholarship—backing tomorrow’s leaders and those individuals with the
ability to shape Australia’s future. This landmark initiative is a perpetual gift to the nation,
supporting 100 scholars a year, forever.
200 Businesses of Tomorrow: This program recognises 200 promising Australian businesses
that highlight potential areas of growth for our economy, providing both direct financial and non-
financial support as well as mentoring from some of Australia’s leading business people.
200 Community Grants: Westpac Foundation is doubling its support this year for community
organisations who are leading the way in creating fairer, more inclusive communities – helping
them to solve some of Australia’s most complex social problems.
$200 for our new born Australians: Our “Bump” campaign will provide a savings account pre-
funded with $200 to every eligible Australian born in 2017, which they can access when they
turn 16. This will help our next generation and their families start their savings plans on the right
foot—helping them to ultimately enjoy the same quality of life to which we all aspire.
You can read more about these and other initiatives on our website
.
200 Years – The Westpac Story
As a tribute to our people, customers, shareholders, and community partners we have
published a book of their stories spanning back over 200 years. It’s a great read, highlighting
the people and incidents that have shaped this company and indeed the Australian economy.
The book is available online and I encourage you to take a look here
.
Thank you
On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your support and belief in our company. With
the continued support of shareholders like you, and through the ongoing dedication of our
people to helping their customers and communities to prosper and grow, you have my
commitment that we at Westpac will continue to adapt, to innovate, and to build the value of the
Westpac Group through our third century of business.
With warm regards,




Brian Hartzer
Chief Executive Officer
Westpac Group