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Westpac reflects on historical moments when Australians needed a ‘helping hand’

Workmen building the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a young girl on a school bus, a person stuck in a sinking car and a wheelchair basketballer in distress are some of the scenarios featured in a new campaign for Westpac, showcasing how Australians have always been built to ‘help’.

DDB’s latest work for the 200-year-old Australian bank aims to celebrate the way Australians have always helped each other, just as Westpac has helped Australians.

The new ad takes viewers back to the 1920s when the Sydney Harbour Bridge was being built anda piece of the bridge begins to fall from the sky. It then jumps to a woman in labour before shifting to a young darker-skinned girl on a school bus filled with caucasian students.

Other storylines include a wheelchair basketballer falling in a game and a person trying to escape from a car, which is rapidly sinking.

Eventually all characters are helped by other Australians, which Westpac hopes will celebrate the spirit of ‘mateship’.

A remake of David Bowie’s Heroes plays in the background.

Westpac’s group head of brand, advertising and media, Jenny Melhuish, said the new advertisement showcases the importance of a helping hand.

“As the nation’s oldest company and first bank, Westpac has played a role in the lives of many Australians for more than 200 years – whether it is helping people buy a home, save for a family, start a business, or in times of emergency or natural disasters,” Melhuish said.

 “Providing great service and helping in the moments that matter to our people, customers and communities is what defines us as a brand and sets the course for our future.”

DDB managing partner, Chiquita King, said the new campaign was inspired by “historical moments”, but was only the beginning of what the agency wants to achieve.

“This campaign is a perfect example of DDB’s belief in emotionally driven work,” King said.

 The campaign will run across television, digital, out of home and social from April 8.

Credits:

  • Client: Westpac
  • Creative Agency: DDB
  • Director: Mark Molloy
  • Production Co: Exit Films
  • Editor: Jack Hutchings The Butchery
  • Photographer: Andreas Smetana
  • Music: David Bowie ‘Heroes’ covered by Gang of Youths
  • Music Supervision: Level Two Music
  • Sound Design: Nylon Studios
  • Post Production: ALT VFX
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