It Begins at Bendigo Bank

Are you looking to build a meaningful career? For Hayley, it began at Bendigo Bank

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:30:00 +0000

From uncertainty to opportunity

When Hayley first joined us as a Customer Service Officer in 2016, it was meant to be a temporary solution. But as she planned her next career move, she discovered a world of possibilities right here at Bendigo Bank.

“The longer I stayed, the more I enjoyed working at the bank,” she reflects. “The beauty of being at a large organisation is that you can explore opportunities in other fields. Not only did this make me question what kind of work I wanted to do, but also what kind of change I wanted to be a part of.”

In her eight-plus years with us, Hayley has built a solid foundation to reach new heights. What's kept her here all this time? Hayley says it's our culture of learning, accountability and commitment to work towards a more inclusive, welcoming way forward. Now, as Project Coordinator, she's excited about what's to come - both for her career and our organisation.

“We’re at a really unique time at the bank,” says Hayley. “Our executive and senior leaders recognise that we’re not necessarily a place where First Nations people want to work. But our leaders also are willing to listen and work to become a better and more inviting place for all. Hearing people of influence ask those questions is a lot rarer than you think.”

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It Begins at Bendigo Bank.

Advocacy and support

Originally from Innisfail in Far North Queensland, Hayley has always been a passionate advocate for First Nations voices. This commitment is reflected in her work at Bendigo Bank, where she combines her corporate and lived experience to drive meaningful change.

One of her proudest moments came when she presented the Reconciliation Action Plan to the Build for Scale team.

“There were over 100 people on the call,” says Hayley. “I presented the work we were doing, the goals we had and the progress we aimed to make. Although it was challenging content, I wanted to make it inviting and engaging.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive. People were eager to learn and contribute. I’m conscious that it’s hard to change people’s perspective overnight, especially around race and culture, but that was one of my proudest moments at the bank.”

Hayley is also involved in Mob@Ben, a support and advocacy group for First Nations staff within our organisation.

“Mob@Ben is great because we get together, share our experiences and offer support to those who need it. It’s about supporting our First Nations staff who may be feeling a heavier cultural burden. Where we see a need for more First Nations voices, we can decide as a group who steps into that space.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

Hayley’s motivation

Outside of work, Hayley is an avid triathlete, currently gearing up for an Ironman event. An intense training regime keeps her busy, but she likes to balance her schedule with social activities such as catching up with friends over dinner and drinks.

In her professional life, Hayley is a hard worker and a go-getter. Currently based in our Adelaide office, she is a Project Coordinator for our Build for Scale team - her fifth role within the organisation, Hayley’s role centres on driving the bank’s digital transformation, specifically enhancing the lending experience for customers and brokers.

As well as the leaders who saw her potential and encouraged her to grow, Hayley’s remarkable career progression is a testament to her hard work and adaptability. In each role, she has gained new skills and invaluable experience to propel her career forward.

“I love connecting with our team and working to improve the workplace so that it’s easier for people to carry out their job. We have a good mix of people who are new to the organisation and those who have been with the bank from its infancy. Our Charter Team Lead, Janelle Wehsack, has been a huge inspiration to a lot of us because she’s been a champion for promoting females in leadership roles.”

Ultimately, Hayley’s motivation stems from a balance of high performance and community focus. When we asked her the real reason why she does what she does, she had the following insightful response:

“For me, it’s about a drive to perform well while still prioritising the success of our people - that’s community and staff. Very few organisations prioritise both. I’m competitive enough that I want us to achieve our growth targets, but I love that the bank isn’t going to sacrifice people in order to get there.”

Looking for a career that connects you to your roots? For Ryley, it began at Bendigo Bank

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:10:17 +0000

A regional support network

As our Agribusiness Relationship Manager, Ryley’s role takes him across the expansive countryside of South Australia. It’s a region he knows well. And he understands the importance of connecting and supporting our regional communities.

“When I was growing up, we had two major banks in our hometown. They’ve both since closed. I remember one day our local politician came to town and said, ‘You need to get yourselves a Bendigo Bank. They will support your town and your community far longer than their competitors.’

“I believe that is a really common story for many of our regional areas around the country. Bendigo Bank really does have an excellent reputation and an extensive branch network.”

As a frontline banker in our agribusiness division, Ryley is closely connected to the outcomes of his work. His clients range from new farmers to intergenerational small business owners. Although he no longer considers himself a farmer, his background gives him valuable insights into his clients’ challenges and needs.

“I act as a conduit for rural businesses and the bank. For me, it’s about understanding how we can help. The best part of my role is being able to offer our products and services to help businesses achieve their goals and grow for the future.”

Want to grow your career without sacrificing what's important to you?

It Begins at Bendigo Bank.

From farm to finance

Ryley’s childhood was spent on his parent’s sheep and broadacre farm at Boort in regional Victoria. To this day he remains actively involved in his family’s business. So, it’s no wonder he chose to pursue a career so close to his agricultural roots.

“A part of me always wanted to explore the farming side of my background a bit more,” says Ryley. “Early on in my career, I decided that working with small businesses was a great way to do that.”

Like many young people from his area, Ryley moved to a capital city after high school to pursue a degree in economics and politics at Monash University. Unsure of his next steps upon graduation, Ryley discovered the graduate program at Bendigo Bank and saw an opportunity to grow his capabilities at a better big bank.

“The graduate program is an excellent way to experience different divisions, roles and locations within the bank,” says Ryley. “I discovered what I enjoyed the most was being on the frontline working with customers.”

After 12 months as a graduate, Ryley was promoted to his current position of Agribusiness Relationship Manager - a role that perfectly combines his background in economics with his lived rural experience.

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

The future of rural banking

Ryley has come a long way since he first joined us as a young grad in 2022. Through our comprehensive graduate program, he was able to explore multiple roles and gain valuable insights and new skills.

This solid foundation, coupled with a supportive team environment, has set Ryley on a successful career trajectory. Reflecting on his time at Bendigo Bank, Ryley highlights two key aspects that have defined his time with us.

“The first is the range of resources and assistance offered to me so I can carry out my role to the best of my ability are excellent. The other is the culture here. It is so strong, especially in our head office where we work together in an open-plan office. This creates a great network and a more productive and inclusive working environment.”

Looking to the future, Ryley is excited about embracing technological advances and the continued growth of the agricultural industry. As a former graduate, he is now in a position to share his knowledge and experience with those new to the industry.

“The advice I give to our new starters and graduates is to embrace the unique opportunities available to you at Bendigo Bank. Because of our size, we are an organisation where you can directly contribute to the change you want to see in the world.”

Looking for a career in banking without the burnout? For Ann, it began at Bendigo Bank

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:30:00 +0000

Making the move

Ann’s story at Bendigo Bank is one of seeking balance, embracing change and finding fulfilment. In a career spanning over 25 years in financial services and technology, there isn’t much Ann hasn’t seen. So, when she decided to move to Bendigo Bank, it was as much for the lifestyle shift as it was to advance her career.

“At the start of the pandemic, my husband and I moved to Gippsland in regional Victoria,” says Ann. “One day, I came across an opportunity at Bendigo Bank in Information Security - a field I hadn’t worked in before. The role offered great flexibility and I saw it as a way to use my skills in project delivery.”

For Ann, the role was a perfect fit. Not only did it match her previous experience in digital and cloud platforms, but it also offered her the flexibility she needed to work remotely.

As a Program Manager at Bendigo Bank, Ann oversees delivery of the Information Security (InfoSec) program of initiatives across the organisation.. Her role comprises of two primary functions: managing the Infosec program and supporting service teams.

Through leading teams of project managers and business analysts, Ann ensures projects are on schedule, within budget and enhance the bank’s security. While the role is busy and comprehensive, Ann’s holistic approach enables her to maintain an overall view of the program’s deliverables and remain aligned with the strategic objectives of the practice and bank.

Want to grow your career without sacrificing what's important to you?

It Begins at Bendigo Bank.

Finding balance

As a self-described “city girl”, Ann’s leap into rural life wasn’t just about a change of scenery - it was a full-blown adventure. Activities Ann once thought unlikely, such as home renovations and tending to her veggie patch, now form an integral part of her routine.

Despite this welcome change in pace and lifestyle, Ann’s career growth and development have stayed on track.

“At Bendigo Bank, they embrace you no matter what stage you’re at in your life and career. If you want to be career focused, they will support you in that. Likewise, if you just want to do your job to the best of your ability and switch off at the end of the day, that’s possible, too. The culture is great here.”

Since Ann first joined us in 2022, her impact across the organisation has been significant. One of her proudest achievements has been introducing structured quarterly planning within the InfoSec teams - an effective way to bring teams together to set realistic goals, plan steps to achieve them and track progress along the way.

“Rather than fire fighting all the time, I’d like to think I’ve instilled some practices for our teams to achieve long-term goals outside day-to-day operations.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

A better big bank

When she’s not walking her dog, Freya, or engaging in hobbies like aerial silks and gardening, Ann is content with her current role and the balance it provides. For now, she is focused on leveraging her wealth of experience to drive meaningful change in how we operate and deliver projects.

While maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to her, Ann is looking forward to opportunities to learn, grow and explore different areas of the bank.

“I think I’ll always be a project delivery person - that’s just my bread and butter. But one thing I love about Bendigo Bank is there’s an opportunity to grow vertically and laterally.”

Looking to the future, Ann is excited about Bendigo Bank’s unique position in the industry. With a strong presence in regional areas and a community-focused model, Ann believes this understanding of local needs solidifies Bendigo Bank’s reputation as the better big bank.

“I’ve worked in banking for most of my career, and there was a time in the industry when everybody hated banks. Bendigo Bank is a nice alternative because they have a different working model and a strong customer-centric approach.

“For me, I’m really happy where I’m at. I’ve got a good level of responsibility, I have opportunities to enable people to grow and I can use my skills to influence positive outcomes. I’d like to think I’ll be at Bendigo Bank for a long time.”

Want a career that matches your lifestyle? For Harry, it began at Bendigo Bank

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:07:10 +0000

A banker on the move

Harry isn't your typical banker. Instead of a permanent office, he thrives on variety and prefers the open road (well, the South Australian highway, to be exact). As our relief Customer Advisor at Bendigo Bank, Harry acts as a vital support system for our branches across Adelaide.

As well as the wide range of customer service tasks typically handled by a teller, Harry’s dynamic role enables him to experience the best of both worlds: the satisfaction of customer interaction and a constant change of scenery.

“This week, for example, I’m working at three different branches,” says Harry. “If it wasn’t for this role, I would’ve never left the suburbs I’m surrounded by. Now, I’m involved in every little pocket of Adelaide. I love getting to know my city a bit more and making connections across different parts of the state.”

After Harry graduated from university with a degree in finance, he initially sought a traditional bank path. But a chance encounter with the relief team revealed an unconventional career path that suited his personality.

“There are plenty of jobs where you can work from home, but I just don’t think that’s for me,” says Harry. “What I found was that I actually preferred going between branches. It keeps the job fresh! Plus, I’m very much an extroverted person, so it suits me really well.”

Want to grow your career without sacrificing what's important to you?

It Begins at Bendigo Bank.

State-wide connections

For Harry, every week brings a new branch, a new set of colleagues and a new batch of customers to meet. He embraces this challenge, finding joy in helping everyone from young entrepreneurs to seasoned retirees. He particularly appreciates Bendigo Bank’s empathetic approach.

“The way Bendigo Bank sets itself apart from its competitors is through customer service,” says Harry. “Not just in the way we smile and greet our customers, but how we go above and beyond. Whether that’s helping someone navigate online banking for the first time or the care we take with our vulnerable customers.”

Despite the constant movement required for his role, Harry feels a strong sense of connectedness and belonging at Bendigo Bank. Weekly video calls between branches showcase the supportive network of managers sharing best practices and encouragement. This sense of camaraderie extends to every branch Harry visits, where he’s consistently met with open arms.

“People often ask me, ‘Harry, what’s your favourite branch?’ But I actually can’t pick one. There’s a great sense of camaraderie here, and I’m feeling it more and more the longer I work at the bank.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

Opportunity meets community

When Harry isn’t helping customers or forging connections with colleagues, you’ll likely find him at the gym, attending a fitness class or exploring the outdoors. This dedication to health and wellness fuels his enthusiasm and allows him to bring positive energy to his role at Bendigo Bank.

“I’m a bit of a health nut,” Harry admits. “I always tell people, any time I’m not working, you can expect me to be burning calories!”

Harry’s story is a testament to the unique opportunities a career at Bendigo Bank can offer. It’s a work environment grounded in a strong sense of community where diverse personalities are enabled to thrive.

For those considering a career in banking, Harry offers the following valuable advice:

“Always ask questions and be inquisitive. There are many people who can help you along the way. Also, practice empathy. In this line of work, people may come to you with extremely unfortunate situations. It helps to put yourself in their shoes or imagine how you would feel in that situation. It’s about understanding where they’re coming from so you can best help them.”

Want a career with big impact? For Justine, it began at Bendigo Bank

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:30:00 +0000

From grassroots beginnings …

Chasing sheep and milking cows were all part of daily life for Justine Minne as a child. Growing up on her family’s farm at Barnadown, on the banks of the Campaspe River near Bendigo, taught her many lessons in resilience, compassion and what it means to be part of a community.

“Coming from a more rural background, I feel that sense of community really strongly,” Justine says. “I’m not saying it doesn’t happen in metro areas, but it’s instinctive in smaller towns - you just roll up your sleeves, you volunteer on the footy team or at school. I know I’ve always done that, so I think that’s one of the reasons why I feel so connected to our customers and what we do at Bendigo Bank.”

As Bendigo Bank’s Head of Community Banking, Justine is right at the heart of our impact. With nearly three decades of experience with our team, she supports and leads the strategic direction of our 300-plus community-owned branches and director networks across Australia.

“Our branches are governed by local boards of directors, who are mostly volunteers. We provide them with the greatest support and education to ensure they can operate a successful community banking business.”

The result? Regional towns have access to better banking and we can reinvest more profits into communities right across Australia.

“I go to a lot of community functions and hear stories about the difference Bendigo Bank has made,” Justine reflects. “Stories about students who had been unable to attend uni due to their circumstances actually qualifying as doctors and teachers with the help of one of our scholarships. I was talking to a doctor recently, and when he found out what I did, he said, ‘I just want to say thank you. Because of you, we’ve been able to get kids and students to come back here to work in the community.’ That really hits the heartstrings.”

Looking for a career that means more?

It Begins at Bendigo Bank.

… To a career that’s shaping the future

After completing her university studies in medical record administration, Justine joined Bendigo Bank as a Customer Service Officer. What was meant to be a gap year turned into a rewarding career spanning 28 years - and counting.

“I was only going to do this job for 12 months until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I certainly never thought it was going to be banking!” Justine laughs. “But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the people I worked with - it felt like a family. We had so much fun - while getting our work done, of course!”

Justine’s people-first leadership has seen her progress from various branch roles to Head of People and Capability - Local Connection, State Manager - Regional Victoria and Tasmania, and now Head of Community Banking.

“I’ve done lots of different roles in various facets, which is a real advantage of working at Bendigo Bank. We have always provided opportunities for our people to advance, and I’ve been fortunate to have had some great mentors and leaders along the way.”

Justine has seen many positive changes in her time with us - from expanding our branches across the country to fully embracing digital innovation.

“We’ve grown in so many ways. We’d just changed from a building society to a bank when I first started. Gosh, even just our offices and how we’ve modernised from that perspective. Now is a really exciting time because we are in such a growth phase. In my role, I’m motivated by the challenge and opportunity to be part of shaping the future. Community banking is such a key component and differentiator of who we are. To be part of the team that is steering that is very exciting.”

And as we scale our heart and heritage to make better bigger, one thing remains the same: the genuine connection Justine feels with our team.

“We still hold on to that element of family. We’ve definitely matured as a family, but we have the ability to grow and achieve success while remaining true to who we are.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

Culture of care and connection

Nurturing a welcoming, inclusive workplace is something Justine holds close to her heart. As the Chair of our access and inclusion network, BEN Ability, Justine advocates for our team members and customers with lived experience of disability, ensuring our physical and digital environments are accessible for all.

“I believe allowing our people to be who they are has always been a real strength at Bendigo Bank, and we continue to evolve and adapt appropriately. BEN Ability is a group of volunteers from across the organisation who are passionate about supporting greater inclusion so that people can bring their whole selves to work. That’s a really important thing for us to do.”

In her time with us, Justine has also raised a family. Although juggling three children with a high-impact career has had its challenges, she’s had the support and flexibility she needs to fulfil all areas of her life.

“I spend most of my spare time running the kids around. From a family perspective, Bendigo Bank couldn’t be more supportive. They’re very understanding - I can’t speak highly enough of the flexibility.”

Are you looking for a career to be proud of? Justine says it begins at Bendigo Bank.

“You can have an impact wherever you are here. Whether you’re in risk, finance or at the frontline, everyone plays a role in making a difference in our communities in some way, shape or form. And you get to do it with people who go the extra mile for you and dig deep to achieve.”

Want to join a team that truly values you? For Kimberly, it began at Bendigo Bank

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:03:21 +0000

So much more than a number

Delivering her first acknowledgement of country to the National Retail Banking team was a moment of deep pride for Kimberly Dean. It was also a moment of vulnerability - and great hope.

“All my life, I’ve known I’ve got an Aboriginal background,” says Kimberly, Bendigo Bank’s Retail Banking Coordinator. “It’s only more recently that I’ve opened up the journey to understanding my history.”

Although she was a little apprehensive, Kimberly felt safe to share with the wider team that she herself was a First Nations person.

“I’d never really spoken about it. I was quite nervous, but when I mentioned it, everyone said, ‘Amazing, thank you for sharing - we’d love to learn more.’ After the meeting, people came up to me and asked questions. In that moment, I felt really respected.”

For Kimberly, it reinforced Bendigo Bank’s culture of care and connection, where people are valued for their individuality, perspectives and contributions.

“You’re not just a number; you’re not just an employee. It’s like a family. Of course, like all organisations, there have been culture changes over the years, but everyone actually cares about you. It’s a really supportive place to work.”

Looking for a career that means more?

It Begins at Bendigo Bank.

Pairing flexibility with opportunity

Kimberly had been working as a beauty therapist for several years when, unfortunately, she was injured in a car accident. Unable to spend as much time on her feet, she began looking for another role. Her sister-in-law suggested she try Bendigo Bank.

“There was a position as a Customer Service Officer with a local branch, so I handed in my resume, had my interview, and the rest is history! It’s definitely not what I envisioned myself doing, but that was in 2007, and I’m still here. It’s been a rewarding journey.”

Over 17-plus years, Kimberly has seized every opportunity to learn and grow. Impressively, she’s progressed through eight different roles - including Learning and Development Facilitator, Operations Coordinator and State Project Coordinator, to name a few.

Today, Kimberly is our Retail Banking Coordinator, supporting our General Manager of Retail Banking and the wider Retail Banking team.

“My role is similar to that of an executive assistant. We have a lot of connection with internal and external stakeholders, so I’m involved in many areas of the bank. It’s an awesome job with a lot of variety.”

Supporting a team that’s located around Australia has its challenges. Yet, Kimberly is always in close communication with her colleagues and is supported to find the balance and flexibility she needs as a mother of two young girls.

“At the stage of life I’m in right now, I want to have a career and do my job really well, but I also need flexibility to be a mum. I work in a hybrid capacity with a mix of home and office time, which my leader is super supportive of to assist with the important school activities that come up. I also know I’ve got Bendigo Bank’s support with my career growth in the next couple of years as the kids get older and I have a bit more freedom.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

Making better bigger - for everyone

Working for a purpose-driven organisation aligns perfectly with Kimberly’s community-service mindset. As well as raising a family, she’s vice-president of her daughter’s kindergarten, treasurer on a school council, and secretary for her local church.

Kimberly is also a member of some important cultural initiatives at Bendigo Bank. She’s the Retail Banking team’s representative on our Reconciliation Action Plan committee and a member of our Mob@BEN group for First Nations team members.

“Mob@BEN is about helping our mob within Bendigo Bank to come forward and identify so we can support them. It’s a really safe space. We have a fortnightly catch-up where we have a yarn, create connections and support anyone who might be having issues in their lives.”

For now, Kimberly looks forward to continuing to shape her career and our strong culture of diversity and inclusion - all while supporting Bendigo Bank to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.

“We have done some amazing things with the community banking model. It’s a feel-good bank to work for. We all know people generally don’t like banks, but when you talk about Bendigo Bank, they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, they gave money to my cricket club or my footy club or my kinder.’ It’s awesome to be able to extend on that story.”

Want to see the real impact a career in banking can make? Find out how we’re contributing to a better future

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:30:00 +0000

Q. Bendigo Bank is committed to doing good for customers, community and society. What positive impact do you see Bendigo Bank making?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I go to a lot of different community functions and hear stories about the difference Bendigo Bank has made. Stories about students who had been unable to attend uni due to their circumstances actually qualifying as doctors and teachers with the help of one of our scholarships. I was talking to a doctor recently, and when he found out what I did, he said, ‘I just want to say thank you. Because of you, we’ve been able to get kids and students to come back here to work in the community.’ That really hits the heartstrings.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“We have done some amazing things with the community banking model. It’s a feel-good bank to work for. We all know people generally don’t like banks, but when you talk about Bendigo Bank, they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, they gave money to my cricket club or my footy club or my kinder.’ It’s awesome to be able to extend on that story.”

Ryley Verley, Agribusiness Relationship Manager, Adelaide:

“When I was growing up, we had two major banks in our hometown. They’ve both since closed. I remember one day our local politician came to town and said, ‘You need to get yourselves a Bendigo Bank. They will support your town and your community far longer than their competitors.’ I believe that is a really common story for many of our regional areas around the country. Bendigo Bank really does have an excellent reputation and an extensive branch network.”

Q. How is this impact different from what other banks are doing?

Ann Nguyen, Delivery Owner, Gippsland:

“Bendigo Bank provides a nice alternative for people who don't want to go with the big four for various reasons. I know that Bendigo has a very different model. You've got your community branches with a very strong presence out of the regions. One thing I loved about joining Bendigo is you'd see ads for things like tractor finance, and being regional myself, you have a much better understanding and connection to just how important that is for someone on a farm. Whereas it's a smaller part of the puzzle at one of the big four.”

Ryley Verley, Agribusiness Relationship Manager, Adelaide:

“Bendigo Bank remains the better big bank. And I think especially in my role, that's borne out in our connection with customers and just how much time, resourcing and value we place on the relationship.”

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“From my perspective, because of the way we do things. Community banking allows local decision-making at a grassroots level, so we can make a difference on all levels. We have an impact at a local level, a regional level, a state and national level, so there’s a number of different aspects to our impact, which is something I don’t think others can do like we do.”

Q. How have you seen our values and ethics guide our good governance and culture of inclusion?

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“When I first presented on our Reconciliation Action Plan, I presented to our Build for Scale team. There were about 100 people on the call. I presented the work we were doing, the work we're looking to do and the progress we're looking to make. I feel like I found a way to present it that wasn't confronting. And from that, we had people ask a lot of questions - people we wouldn't expect to ask questions were really engaged and wanted to know, ‘How do I find out more? How can our team be a positive part of it?’ That was something I'm really proud of because I'm really conscious that it's hard to change people's ways of thinking, especially around race and culture.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“Anyone belongs at Bendigo Bank. We're so open to everyone, regardless of your religion, your sex, your culture. The bank is so diverse in supporting everyone and what they need. So for me, it just means you can be yourself at work, which is awesome, and not feel ashamed or worried that you're not going to be accepted in your workplace.”

Q. In what way do you contribute to our positive impact in your role?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“In the role I play, I hope we enable decision-making to be really simplified for our director networks. We also provide the tools and support in the background from a retail perspective to make sure our community banks continue to be sustainable, so they thrive, create greater growth and give back in their communities.”

Harry Heath, Customer Advisor, South Australia:

“I actually go between all of the different branches in Adelaide, so I help out when they need that extra bit of help. Whether that means that somebody is just taking a bit of leave, couldn't come into work or a role needs to be filled. I go home at night very proud of the work I do for the bank. You're making a difference, you're making people's financial lives easier. It's very easy to get out of bed in the morning and continue to do it. I love what I do and I find a lot of purpose in it.

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

Ryley Verley, Agribusiness Relationship Manager, Adelaide:

“Being a frontline banker at Bendigo Bank, I'm really well connected to the outcomes of my work. I can see directly in front of me the small businesses and the outcomes and the opportunities that we're we're taking grasp of. I'm proud to be involved in agribusiness; I think the nation finds a sense of identity in agribusiness. And I'm really proud to be at the coal face of that. The growth in this sector and this industry in the last three decades has been enormous, and just to watch that firsthand is really something special.”

Q. How could others who join Bendigo Bank contribute to the meaningful difference we make for society, the environment and our organisation?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I think one of the key elements is truly understanding the work we do and the impact that you have wherever you are, whether you’re in risk, whether you’re in finance or whether you’re at the frontline, so you get to touch and feel it a bit more on a daily basis. But I think everyone plays a role in some way, shape or form and I think it’s understanding that and how they contribute is really important.”

Want to advance your career through real opportunities to learn and grow? It begins here at Bendigo Bank

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 02:30:00 +0000

Q. How has Bendigo Bank supported your development goals?

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“A lot of my first initial movements were definitely because my leaders encouraged me. I'm really lucky that I've had a lot of leaders who've seen potential in me, so they've mentored me and upskilled me to be ready for those new roles.

“The role I'm in now is probably most reflective of that. It's very much a role where there are leaders who just want you to be successful. So, there's a lot of opportunities provided to me and a lot of flexibility offered. Because it’s such a large organisation, opportunity just grows exponentially.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“It’s always been employee-led, so it’s all been based on my goals and what I wanted to immerse myself in. Early on, when I was a Learning and Development Facilitator, I was supported to obtain my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. And if I had any skill gaps, I just needed to talk to my manager and we’d work through that. Then when I had my babies, the bank was very supportive. I was actually the first in our State Support team to trial working from home when I had my first daughter, who’s nearly eight now. So, Bendigo Bank has always been really supportive in that sense.”

Q. Career development, growth and learning can mean different things for different people. How have you shaped the career you want at Bendigo Bank?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I started as a Customer Service Officer in the branches in Melbourne and have worked my way through different roles. I’ve experienced it all from a lending perspective, customer service and managing a branch. I went into HR as Head of People and Capability - Local Connection, and I was State Manager - Regional Victoria and Tasmania before this role I’m in now.

“I’ve done lots of different roles in various facets, which is a real advantage of working at Bendigo Bank. We have always provided opportunities for our people to advance, and I’ve been fortunate to have had some great mentors and leaders along the way.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“I’ve had a lot of different roles at Bendigo Bank. I was a Facilitator in our Learning and Development department for a few years, which involved travelling around the country to train staff. I’ve also been a Retail Sales Lead, Local Connection Coordinator and Operation Coordinator. After having children and going through COVID-19, I became a State Project Coordinator, working at a state level with our Victorian managers. Then, the opportunity came up for Retail Banking Coordinator, and that’s where I am now.

“But I don’t think development necessarily always means changing roles. I think sometimes you can be happy in a role for a period of time and still develop. You can get involved in projects on the side and shadow or be mentored by different people. There have been plenty of those opportunities for me, like when I was put through a course to be a Herrmann Brain Dominance Trainer so I could take people through their personality traits - that was a lot of fun. And I’m going to an Indigenous Leadership Summit later this year to expand my knowledge. It may not always be linear, but there are chances to learn and develop.”

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in a career at Bendigo Bank?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“You learn this as you get older and become more experienced, but I think the most important thing is to always stay true to yourself and be authentic in everything you do. For me, that is the most important thing. Bendigo Bank has certainly grown over the years, yet we remain true to who we are. We continue to contribute to the communities in which we operate and make a real difference in our customers’ lives. I feel that’s remained true and core to who we are.”

Ann Nguyen, Delivery Owner, Gippsland:

“Being at Bendigo gives you the opportunity to get involved in multiple facets. At other large organisations, it’s common to be constrained in a narrow role. You generally don't have the opportunity to deviate from it because you’re just a cog in a wheel.

“At Bendigo, you get exposed to a bit of everything, and you have an opportunity to understand end-to-end processes. I've seen scenarios where someone's come from a big four or a large organisation and they've said, ‘Oh, is that what happens? In my previous job, I used to just hand it off to the next person and it went into this black hole.’ Here, you understand what its purpose is so you have more consideration for the outputs of your work.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“Just go for it. Learn as much as you can about the bank. Do your research on what our community bank network does and has achieved - it’s amazing. I don’t think you can go wrong with a job at Bendigo Bank. If it’s something that you’re interested in and you have the right attitude and approach, you’ll definitely enjoy working for the organisation.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

How we’re evolving to make better, bigger - for our communities, our people and our organisation

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 02:30:00 +0000

Q. Why would you encourage people to join Bendigo Bank now rather than at any other point in time?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I think the opportunity now is the fact that we have got some really exciting pieces of work in front of us. We are at a point where we are going to really make a difference and we’re at the next stage point of who we are from an organisational point of view. I think we’re ready to flourish in the modern world.”

Qaim Rizvi, Senior Analyst, Regulatory Change, Adelaide:

“You basically are helping the organisation become better for the customers. And because there's a value in that change, you enjoy that change. Yes, there are challenges that come across with it, but at the same time, it's something you would cherish in the long term, which is much more important. To be part of that customer mission, and at the end of the day, being a customer myself, I feel that. It gives your self-achievement a kind of thumbs up.”

Ann Nguyen, Delivery Owner, Gippsland:

“The great thing about Bendigo’s size is you can get things done a lot faster. If you see there's a gap or something that needs to be improved, you can get stuck in and say, ‘Hey, why don't we do this a bit differently?’ The attitude I find at Bendigo is, ‘Let's let's try to be better. How can we be better?”

Ryley Verley, Agribusiness Relationship Manager, Adelaide:

“We are a smaller bank and you can take advantage of that. You know all the people that work here and you can take advantage of some of the changes that are happening and some of the transformation that we're involved in, and you can really be a contributor to that.”

Q. Bendigo Bank is focused on making better, bigger. In your area, how do you see Bendigo Bank changing and evolving?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“Now is a really exciting time because we are in such a growth phase. With the journey we’re on, the digital transformation and the tools and resources we’re going to be able to provide our customers and our team members - there’s a lot of great work ahead.

“Our end-to-end lending platform is an example - that’s going to be a real game changer. It means our people out in the network are going to be able to service their customers and turn around decisions much more quickly than we have previously, so therefore, we can serve more customers, deepen relationships and spend more quality time with our customers doing the work we want to do and are here to do. As a result of that, we are going to get bigger because we are able to be better.”

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“We've got a really dynamic team. Some people have seen the bank from its infancy through to now in terms of change and growth. It's a 300 people-plus team at the moment and the person who heads it is a female in her 50s. She's a huge inspiration to us because she's been in leadership roles long before it was acceptable to be a female leader in a bank. So, she probably advocates a lot heavier for women in leadership.”

Harry Heath, Customer Advisor, South Australia:

“I believe that service is still going to remain the priority here in the branches. Of course, we're looking at digital inclusion and how we can better our customers’ lives and put things online - not so that they don't come into the branches, but just to make their lives easier in general. But at the forefront, we're still going to be focusing on service, and I see that every day.”

Q. Why is it important Bendigo Bank evolves for the future?

Ryley Verley, Agribusiness Relationship Manager, Adelaide:

“The agricultural industry, over the last 30 years, has had significant growth - not by accident, but because technology has changed dramatically. And it's so important that the bank is at the cutting edge of that. How do we finance that? How do we structure this growth in technology? And how do we keep really at the cutting edge of it all? That’s what’s exciting.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“There's been so many changes and it's all for the positive; it's all just setting us up for a really strong future and moving with the times. It's amazing to see the transition and the change that is forever happening. Probably the biggest thing is the way our branches look and operate. We have to get used to this digital world that we're in. We're not just your old fashioned, you know, deposit money, withdraw your money. We are so much more than that. It's really an institution for people as well.”

Harry Heath, Customer Advisor, South Australia:

“We can't really see what's 10 years ahead at any given time, but we can definitely prepare for it.

Q. What are you excited about when it comes to that change and transformation journey?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I’m excited that we are going to have greater and better technology. We’re continuing to embrace innovation, but we’re doing it while staying true to who we are, retaining our identity and still making a difference in the communities in which we operate, so I think that’s what I’m most excited about.”

Ann Nguyen, Delivery Owner, Gippsland:

“There are absolutely scenarios where I I believe Bendigo Bank is more advanced and more sophisticated. A lot more agile, a lot more nimble and how they do things - more so than the big four because they've got a lot more red tape, a lot more process that they need to go through. So, I think Bendigo can do things better.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

At Bendigo Bank, we put our money where our heart is. Here’s why.

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 02:30:00 +0000

Q. What does supporting the community and customers mean to you?

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“One of our taglines is ‘digital by design, human when it matters’. I think it’s really important that we’re not losing sight of humans. We still need to support our customers but we also need to be conscious of the way the world’s changing and the direction it’s moving in. So, being able to continue to support and educate is really important, and keeping it at that community level where we can.”

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“When I was in a supporting role for our regional leadership, I was able to see where we were investing in the community. We funded everything from a small community building to an outdoor multi-purpose sporting facility. We also helped Cairns get their first aquarium, which helped fund conservation efforts for the Great Barrier Reef.

“Another part of our community support is our grants for kids. So, in the regional areas, we had lots of sponsorships for kids going to university as part of the Mob@Ben crew [recommendation: hyperlink to the webpage]. We got to help shortlist successful First Nations candidates for financial scholarships for university, as well. Some members of our team actually got to make the calls to those individuals to tell them they were getting financial support from us. So, that was incredibly rewarding.”

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“Coming from a more rural background, I feel that sense of community really strongly. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen in metro areas, but it’s instinctive in smaller towns - you just roll up your sleeves, you volunteer on the footy team or at school. I know I’ve always done that, so I think that’s one of the reasons why I feel so connected to our customers and what we do at Bendigo Bank. I can really relate to our Community Banking Network and the challenges they face; I get what it’s like. It’s about listening and understanding what’s going on for them and making sure they feel heard.”

Q. How do you think this differs from what other banks are doing?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“Community banking allows local decision-making at a grassroots level, so we can make a difference on all levels. I know other organisations say they do that, and I feel we can always improve, but it’s something that’s remained true and core to who we are throughout that whole journey. We are passionate about giving back to our communities.”

Q. What does community support look like in your role?

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“I don’t have a lot of touchpoints with our external customers in this role, but supporting my leader and his direct reports so their teams can continue on the frontline, supporting customers is how I support the community. Removing some of the stressors for them is how I feel I contribute to Bendigo Bank’s impact.”

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I look after and support our Community Bank Network from an operational and franchising agreement perspective. Our branches are governed by local boards of directors, who are mostly volunteers. We provide them with the greatest support and education to ensure they can operate a successful community banking business and reinvest in their communities.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“We have done some amazing things with the community banking model. It’s a feel-good bank to work for. We all know people generally don’t like banks, but when you talk about Bendigo Bank, they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, they gave money to my cricket club or my footy club or my kinder.’ It’s awesome to be able to extend that story.”

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

What if banking and belonging were for everyone? They are at Bendigo Bank

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 02:14:01 +0000

Q. In what ways does Bendigo Bank ensure you’re treated as a full person, not a number?

Qaim Rizvi, Senior Analyst, Regulatory Change, Adelaide:

“I moved to Australia in February 2020. Before that, I was in Pakistan. The most important thing for any person moving from a different environment, a different culture, is to fit into that different culture. Bendigo Bank has allowed me to become embedded in that culture and adopt it because the best thing is the people who have been around me, helping me learn more about the Australian culture. I find myself lucky enough to have the opportunity to evolve as a person.”

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“From both a customer’s perspective and a team member’s perspective, treating people as people has always been a real strength at Bendigo Bank. We’ve always been really great at personalising things, particularly for our customers. I think that’s one of our greatest strengths, and our people in the Community Branch Network in customer-facing roles do it so well.

“We allow people to be who they are, and we continue to evolve and adapt appropriately. We’ve come a long way with our education and the conversations we have to ensure the right behaviours and attitudes so everyone feels welcome and valued.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“I feel more than just a number because I’m genuinely supported … I think with every organisation, there’s always room for improvement. But I feel ours is at the forefront of supporting our staff and customers around diversity and cultural inclusion. We all come from different backgrounds, and I know the bank is really supportive of all team members in identifying what their background is. I think we do that genuinely, not just as a tagline.”

Harry Heath, Customer Advisor, South Australia:

“We hire people of all ages, sexes, sexualities and races. It's not only that - Bendigo Bank prides itself on that. I know we've got a Diversity Leader. I know that we are considered bronze status for diversity. I know that our CEO and our executive team are just doing their best to get that up to silver or gold. It's something that Bendigo is really striving for and it's something that you can actively see in the working environment.”

Q. What D&I initiatives are you involved in at Bendigo Bank? Why is this important to you?

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“Mob@Ben is great because we get together, share our experiences and offer support to those who need it. It’s about supporting our First Nations staff who may be feeling a heavier cultural burden. Where we see a need for more First Nations voices, we can decide as a group who steps into that space.”

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I’m the Chair of Bendigo Bank’s access and inclusion initiative, BEN Ability. BEN Ability is a group of volunteers from across the organisation who are passionate about supporting greater inclusion so that people can bring their whole selves to work. That’s a really important thing for us to do because it helps our people and our customers.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“All my life, I’ve known I’ve got an Aboriginal background. It’s only more recently that I’ve opened up the journey to understanding my history. When the opportunity came to join Mob@BEN, I put my hand straight up and said I’d love to be part of it. Mob@BEN is about helping our mob within Bendigo Bank to come forward and identify so we can support them. It’s a really safe space. We have a fortnightly catch-up where we have a yarn, create connections and support anyone who might be having issues in their lives.

“I’m also the Retail Banking representative on Bendigo Bank’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) committee. In 2023, I attended a Cultural Immersion Day at Healesville with Bendigo Bank’s executives and a few other people on our RAP, which was an amazing, emotional day. We had an Aboriginal elder there; we had a smoking ceremony and were taken to a sacred burial site, which is something not many people get to do.

“I had a moment where we were all in a talking circle and I thought how lucky I was to be part of this day that will not only help implement things in my work life but in my home life as well. It was eye-opening in the sense of what we can do as individuals and as an organisation to continue to build that respect, understanding and learning to acknowledge the past but move with the present in the right way.”

Q. What could other organisations learn from Bendigo Bank in terms of creating a welcoming, inclusive culture?

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“To do it with actual genuine care and passion. I think potentially, some organisations do things like an acknowledgement of country to tick a box. Don’t just do it to tick a box - do it because you really want to do it. I think having executives who sponsor initiatives around our culture and diversity is really key. It shows that we have genuine care in the things we do straight from the top and people really want to be a part of it.”

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“I've heard an executive and senior leader say, ‘We really recognise we're not a place where First Nations people want to work right now. What do we need to do to be a place that's more welcoming and inclusive?’ I think it's a lot rarer than it should be to hear people of influence in a large organisation ask those questions and then do something about it in terms of the future direction.”

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I think one of the things we do really well is we listen to our people. We give them a voice and an opportunity through our Spark survey and through various channels to contribute and be heard.”

Want to learn more about diversity and inclusion at Bendigo Bank?

Find out how we’re working towards our vision for gender equality

Learn about our Accessibility and Inclusion Plan

See how we’re creating a safe and inclusive environment for our LGBTIQ+ employees, customers and community members

Discover our vision for Reconciliation

We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.

Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.

Looking for a culture that values you for who you are? It starts right here at Bendigo Bank

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 02:30:00 +0000

Q. What makes the culture at Bendigo Bank so special?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“We have an amazing group of talented people right across our organisation from all walks of life. The thing that stands out for me is people’s willingness to go that extra mile for you, to help each other out and to dig deep when we need to get something achieved.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“The leaders do genuinely care. You’re not just a number; you’re not just an employee. It’s like a family. Of course, like all organisations, there have been culture changes over the years, but everyone genuinely cares about you. It’s a really supportive place to work.”

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“We’re at a really unique time at the bank. Our executive and senior leaders recognise that we’re not necessarily a place where First Nations people want to work. But our leaders also are willing to listen and work to become a better and more inviting place for all. Hearing people of influence ask those questions is a lot rarer than you think.”

Q. Can you tell us about a time when Bendigo Bank has gone above and beyond in terms of supporting you to be your best at work and beyond?

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“I’ve been really lucky with mentors who have helped me navigate my growth and development. People had faith in me and took a chance on me. They saw my potential better than I had, so therefore, I’ve been able to reap the rewards.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“From a personal perspective, when my Dad passed away about seven years ago, the bank was amazing. I pretty much dropped everything and went. I was gone for four weeks, and they were so supportive.

“From a work perspective, I’ve had really supportive managers. If I’ve come up against some kind of challenge, they’ve supported me to work through it. I’ve also been given so many opportunities to be involved in things that weren’t part of my role just so I could learn and develop my skills.”

Q. How does Bendigo support your work-life balance?

Ann Nguyen, Delivery Owner, Gippsland:

“At Bendigo Bank, they embrace you no matter what stage you’re at in your life and career. If you want to be career focused, they will support you in that. Likewise, if you just want to do your job to the best of your ability and switch off at the end of the day, that’s possible, too. The culture is great here.”

Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:

“It couldn’t be more supportive. Bendigo Bank gives us the tools to be flexible when we need to be from a family perspective. They’re very understanding - I can’t speak highly enough of the flexibility.”

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“At the stage of life I’m in right now, I want to have a career and do my job really well, but I also need flexibility to be a mum. I work in a hybrid capacity with a mix of home and office time, which my leader is super supportive of to assist with the important school activities that come up. I also know I’ve got Bendigo Bank’s support with my career growth in the next couple of years as the kids get older and I have a bit more freedom.”

Q. Can you tell us about a moment or story that makes you feel proud to be part of the Bendigo Bank team?

Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:

“Last year was the first time I’d told the wider National Retail Banking team that I have a First Nations background. I’d never really spoken about it. My leader was supportive of me doing the acknowledgement of country for our meeting, and I did it in a special way. At the end, I said that I have a First Nations history and background.

“I was quite nervous and a bit shaky, but when I mentioned it, everyone said, ‘Amazing, thank you for sharing - we’d love to learn more.’ After the meeting, people came up to me and asked questions. In that moment, I felt really loved and respected.”

Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:

“I had the honour of presenting the Reconciliation Action Plan to our Build for Scale Team. There were over 100 people on the call. I presented the work we were doing, the goals we had and the progress we aimed to make. Although it was challenging content, I wanted to make it inviting and engaging.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive. People were eager to learn and contribute. I’m conscious that it’s hard to change people’s perspective overnight, especially around race and culture, but that was one of my proudest moments at the bank.”