Newly appointed National Australia Bank (NAB) chief executive Ross McEwan recently visited the bushfire ravaged Rainbow Flat community.
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The visit coincided with a drought and bushfire relief barbecue, hosted by local Rotary and Lions clubs and MidCoast Council.
NAB Mid North Coast regional and agribusiness banking managing partner Corey Beeton said Mr McEwan wanted to see firsthand how the community was recovering from the bushfire crisis.
"We were lucky enough to have him visit our patch and attend the Rainbow Flat barbecue with the predominant purpose here to meet community members directly impacted by the recent bushfires and see how our community is coming together throughout the recovery phase," Mr Beeton said.
Rainbow Flat was one of the hardest hit areas at the height of the crisis in late 2019.
Taree Rotary Club projects manager Maurie Stack was pleased Mr McEwan could mingle with residents in an informal setting.
"I thought it was impressive that he opted to come to an event like this instead of just meeting with the bank's business customers," Mr Stack said.
Mr Stack thanked Mr McEwan for the bank's $10,000 contribution to the Mid Coast bushfire relief appeal.
The NAB boss is on a tour of Australia to meet with colleagues, customers and community members.
Along with Dillon Rural and Ray White Taree, the bank has supported the series of drought/bushfire relief barbecue for the past four months.
The barbecues are designed to give farmers and bushfire victims a well deserved break. There are jumping castles for the kids, free haircuts and giveaways.
Bushfire care specialists are also on the ground to provide assistance to those in need.
Other barbecues have been held in Caffreys Flat, Marlee and Moorland.