List of first Westpac accounts found

 THE list of the first Westpac bank accounts opened in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, 60 years ago has been found.

It will be brought to Port Moresby to be kept at the head office, a bank spokesman said.

The bank had been part of the Goroka community since 1955, when it opened the Highland region’s first bank branch.

Westpac continued to provide retail and commercial banking services in Goroka, growing its branch and Instore network alongside the community’s growth.  

Westpac PNG managing director Geoff Toone and Goroka branch manager Kavi Nenikuro found the record book, which listed the first bank accounts opened in Goroka.  

“Westpac’s first Goroka customer opened an account with us on April 26, 1955, and we’re proud to have found this record that says so much about our history in Goroka,” Nenikuro said.

“Since then, we have continued to expand in this important region and now have thousands of customers  who call us their bank.”

Toone said: “We are truly committed to banking for generations of Papua New Guineans, which is why it was wonderful to find details of our first Goroka customers.

“When I was last in Goroka, I heard rumours that we were leaving.

“We’re growing, not going. 

“We have just invested in a new ATM for Goroka branch, our Instore banking network is expanding and we’re continuing to help people in the highlands start saving and investing in their future through our financial education programmes.”