When Justine Minne joined Bendigo Bank as a Customer Service Officer, the plan was to stay for 12 months while she decided what to do with her life. Nearly three decades and several promotions later, she’s still here! Why? Justine says it’s all about the people, opportunity and impact. Our Head of Community Banking has seen plenty of positive change at Bendigo Bank over her impressive career. Find out why she’s excited about the growth to come.
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.”
