Pursuing a career in banking should never mean giving up care and connection. At Bendigo Bank, we do culture differently. Our people say that difference is our greatest strength, and that our culture is unlike anything they’ve experienced in banking before. Read on to hear from some of our people about the care and connectedness that makes us who we are.
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.”
