Shane Warne made his cherished baggy green cap available for auction earlier this week to raise money for the bushfire appeal. The highly coveted possession was worn throughout Warne's 145-match Test career for Australia, where he took 708 wickets.

CBA will take the baggy green on a national tour to raise additional funds for communities devastated by bushfires before it becomes a permanent exhibit at the Bradman Museum in Bowral, NSW. Cricket fans across the country will have the opportunity to view or take their picture with the cap during the tour, with further details to be released soon.

CBA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Comyn, said: “I am delighted that CBA has been able to secure Shane’s cherished baggy green cap. This has not only raised another $1 million for bushfire relief, it will also enable us to raise further funds for the bushfire appeal as the cap commences a fundraising tour across the country before retiring as a permanent exhibit at the Bradman Museum in Bowral to be enjoyed by all Australians and cricket fans.

“I want to thank and commend Shane for giving up one of his most cherished possessions for such an important cause. He has demonstrated the same Aussie spirit we are seeing across the country with acts of generosity and dedication throughout this disaster as communities rally to support each other.”

Earlier this week CBA announced the Bushfire Recovery Grants program, which is expected to fund projects worth at least $10 million. Applications up to $50,000 per grant are now open. The Bank will also match all donations made through the CommBank app to the Australian Red Cross, with the additional funds to go towards the CBA Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

Since the launch of the Bank’s Emergency Assistance Package we have expedited the processing of insurance claims, supported customers with emergency accommodation, deferred loan repayments, emergency credit limit increases and waived other selected fees and charges. Full details can be accessed at www.commbank.com.au/bushfirerecovery.

We encourage affected customers to contact us to discuss a range of support that we might be able to provide. We particularly encourage volunteer firefighters to contact us if they have been financially impacted.

Customers can contact us to discuss their individual circumstances by either phoning 1300 720 814 or visiting their nearest Commonwealth Bank branch. Business customers with a business loan or a line of credit can call 13 26 07 or their dedicated CommBank relationship manager.

Commonwealth Bank is also providing paid leave to its employees who are volunteering for emergency services as part of the firefighting efforts.

Update on the Commonwealth Bank appeal

We continue to support customers and communities affected by the drought. Commonwealth Bank’s Christmas Drought Appeal launched in November 2019 contributed $2.1 million, bringing total donations made by CBA and its customers for drought and bushfire affected communities to $4.2 million.

For more about support we are providing to farmers, businesses and communities affected by the drought, please click here.

About the Shane Warne auction proceeds: All funds raised by this auction will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The funds will enable Red Cross to give people the support they need in disasters: whether that’s help to prepare, a safe place to take shelter, psychological first aid, information, and practical support through the months and even years it can take to recover. These include communities affected by the devastating bushfires taking place around Australia – right now and those to come.