Our people choose a career with us because their work directly benefits the customers and communities they serve. From building community sports centres and aquariums that fund conservation projects to supporting young First Nations people to attend university, we’re always looking for an opportunity to make bigger, better.
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.”
