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In the heart of regional Dungog, NSW, we are thrilled to announce we’re partnering with the Dungog Wholefood Co-op to celebrate the role of co-operatives and mutuals in fostering resilient, self-sustaining regional communities. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to supporting the communities that support us. To kick off this partnership, a breakfast event will be held at the CWA Hall on July 5, 2025, coinciding with the International Day of Co-operatives. This event also aligns with the International Year of Cooperatives and Mutuals, a global initiative recognising the positive impact of member-led organisations on communities, economies, and social wellbeing. The community is invited to join us as we discuss the value of mutuals and educate attendees on how co-operatives can help small towns thrive, even when larger businesses leave. For Dungog, this collaboration is more than symbolic—it underscores the strength of local solutions. As you know, The Mutual Bank has been the only remaining bank branch in Dungog since the last of the ‘big four’ closed its doors about five years ago and removed its ATMs. Individuals and local businesses now have to drive 35 minutes to do any face-to-face banking with these larger institutions. In contrast, our member-owned Mutual Bank continues to operate a full-service branch six days a week, maintains the town's only main street ATM, and ensures residents and small businesses have access to essential financial services. “When others left, we stayed,” said Mark Williams, CEO of The Mutual Bank. “Our commitment has always been to support the communities that support us. Partnering with Dungog Wholefood Co-op aligns perfectly with our values—it's about locals investing in locals and creating long-term value for the entire town.” The Dungog Wholefood Co-op was established by a dedicated group of locals passionate about where food comes from, how it is produced, and how those who make it are treated. Prioritising small local and regional producers and makers, the co-op takes what is seasonal and fresh and pays fairly for it, helping to overcome supply chain challenges such as difficult weather, economic upheaval, and biosecurity risks. The strength of this approach was exemplified by the co-op’s uninterrupted supply of local eggs during the recent shortages. Members have a say in the running of the co-op, and all profits are returned back into improving the business and providing benefits to its members, including discounts on every single purchase. Last year, the Co-op gave back $42,215 in the form of member discounts. “Fair food means food that’s good for people, good for the planet, and fair for the farmers who grow it,” said Graham Creed, Director at Dungog Wholefood Co-op. “Our partnership with The Mutual Bank reflects shared values—community ownership, economic self-reliance, and mutual support. That’s the strength of Dungog. Having a local branch, with real people we know and trust, adds enormous value to our Co-op. Whether it’s banking advice or a quick dash to swap change, the support we get from the branch team makes a real difference.” Highlighting the broader significance of such collaborations, Melina Morrison, CEO of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM), stated: “Cooperatives and mutuals are vital in building strong, resilient communities. In times of change and challenge, they provide stability and empower local people to take control of their futures. The partnership between The Mutual Bank and Dungog Wholefood Co-op exemplifies how community-led initiatives can drive positive, lasting change.” Throughout 2025, we will collaborate on community education, local events, and initiatives that raise awareness about the power of mutual and cooperative models to deliver real, long-term value. The breakfast event on July 5 will be the first of many opportunities for the community to engage with and learn about the benefits of cooperatives and mutuals. For more information on the International Year of Cooperatives and Mutuals, visit: https://www.2025iycm.coop RSVP to the event here.

Almost a third of Australian veterans who have served our nation return home to face severe hardship, isolation, and mental health challenges. That’s a startling statistic from Taskforce Veteran, an organisation dedicated to empowering Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans. When the organisation reached out to see if we could help, our Chief Digital and Technology Officer Josh Hessel had the perfect project. The Mutual Bank donated 20 refurbished computers and associated equipment for Taskforce Veteran to pass on to veterans and to use in its Cessnock Houses project which aims to address veteran homelessness by offering free crisis accommodation. "We are so proud to support Taskforce Veteran through this donation as it aligns perfectly with our values and our sponsorship initiatives which aim to make a positive impact in our community,” said Josh. “We believe in giving back to the community and supporting organisations that share our values, and we could not be more pleased this equipment will get a new lease on life by really helping these veterans and their families.” Brett Wild, Chairman of Taskforce Veteran, shared his gratitude for the donation. "This donation from The Mutual Bank means a great deal to us,” he said. “We are passionate about creating a brighter future for Australia’s veterans by fostering connection and offering safe, inclusive spaces for ADF members. “These computers will significantly enhance our ability to provide tangible support to veterans and their families. The computers will mean the veterans can stay socially connected, look for work and apply for jobs, upskill and access support services. “We are incredibly thankful for The Mutual Bank’s generosity and commitment to our cause." Taskforce Veteran’s initiatives help reduce isolation, restore self-worth, and actively promote mental well-being among the veteran community. The organisation also advocates for veterans, raising public awareness about their unique challenges and significant contributions to Australia's history. Taskforce Veteran's programs include community education and advocacy, creating collaborative environments, and preserving Australian military history. Their initiatives, such as the Scheyville Project and the Military Armoured Restoration Society (MARS), play a vital role in linking veterans, communities, and military history. You can learn more about their important work including the Cessnock Houses Project, here.

The Mutual Bank is excited to announce its continued sponsorship of the High School Teams Challenge in the lead up to Newcastle Surfest. The teams challenge taking place on Thursday, 8 May and Friday, 9 May 2025 at South Bar Beach and draws talented young surfers from across the state. Open exclusively to NSW high schools, the competition features both boys’ and girls’ divisions, with teams of up to five surfers. The event provides a fantastic platform for young surfers to showcase their skills and teamwork – all at the start of the internationally renowned Surfest competition to be held in June. Surfest sees some of the world’s best up-and-coming surfers descend on the iconic surf break of Merewether in Newcastle as they look to qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour (CT) as Newcastle hosts the first event of the 2025 WSL Challenger Series. Matthew Dunnill, Chief Member Officer at The Mutual Bank, said the teams challenge surfing event was always a highlight on the Hunter-based bank’s sponsorship calendar. “The Mutual Bank High School Teams Challenge is a great opportunity for young surfers to gain invaluable experience and demonstrate their talent,” he said “We are proud to support an event that aligns with our commitment to helping people thrive.” There is no entry fee for the event and prizes will be awarded to schools that reach the final, with the format to include two non-elimination rounds before the knockout rounds begin. Each team can have a maximum of 5 surfers with only 3 surfers competing in each heat. Surfest is the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing together amateur and professional surfers for 17 days of thrilling competition.

The simple things can often have a bigger impact than we could ever imagine – and that’s exactly what the organisers behind the Susan Roskell Memorial Toy and Gift Drive see every year. The Mutual Bank is once again partnering with this incredible community initiative that helps to create happy memories for families affected by hardship over the holiday season. The Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive was established with the goal of providing gifts and toys to children, and their parents and carers, who have been impacted by the effects of domestic and family violence, homelessness, illness and injury. The Mutual Bank’s Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said continuing to be a Platinum Sponsor of the well-established and respected appeal was an easy decision for the member-owned and community focused bank. “The Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive aligns with our values and supports grassroots charities and community organisations, helping them to aid families seeking assistance at what can be a really challenging time of year,” Matthew said. “Our team was thrilled to take part in this project last year and we hope the community will be just as generous this year by supporting the drive – the smallest of gifts are so important as they all add up.” Todd Sheldon from Bolwarra Heights organises the annual event, which is now in its ninth year. It all started in 2016 when a request from Maitland’s Reading Cinema to support struggling families during the festive season saw Todd, his wife Penny, and their son Lachlan (who was named Young Citizen of the Year 2024 for his toy drive efforts), donating wrapped gifts to a Wishing Tree and from this, the idea of an annual toy drive was born. “It is heartening to see that with every year, the support from the community and small businesses has grown which enables us to support the ever-increasing number of Hunter families that are seeking a helping hand during the holiday season,” said Todd. As well as The Mutual Bank branches being a collection point for the gifts, the bank’s team will also volunteer over two days to help sort the donations at their Head Office in Green Hills for distribution to the charities. Community members can drop unwrapped, new toys and presents and gift vouchers into one of the large boxes at each of our seven branches – Dungog, East Maitland, Edgeworth, Maitland, Mayfield, Raymond Terrace and Rutherford.

While the Paralympics were in full swing in Paris, we had the chance to cheer on our own athletes right here in the Hunter. The Mutual Bank was thrilled to partner with Active Inclusive and Good Shepherd Support Services for a special Disability Community Day on Wednesday September 4. The day was designed to allow people living with a disability to come together and enjoy a day of fun whilst participating in some sporting activities. Around 200 participants took part in the event at No. 2 Sportsground in Newcastle, taking part in some fun events along with sports such as golf and touch football. The event was free for participants and included: A free barbecue and drinks for competitors Zumba Dance Sessions by Healthy Change Challenge Facepainting Sports round robin Appearance by some of the Newcastle Knights Face Painting Lucky door prizes, raffles Craft stations Certificate ceremony Proceeds from the day support the Susan Roskell Toy Drive and the Sione Foundation.

The Mutual Bank is supporting seven local charities to help make the lives of families facing a bleak winter a little easier.   Alongside the already rising cost of living, the cold weather can be a tough time for families as they experience a rise in utility and food bills to get through the season.   The Mutual Bank’s Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said no donation was too small and can be dropped into any of our seven branches.  “Local charities do such an amazing job and I’m so pleased our team has chosen to once again demonstrate one of our core values, Care, and run our winter appeal,” he said.  “I hope our Members can consider adding to the donations too,” he said.  Each branch pairs with a local charity, so you know your donation is going towards families in your LGA. Learn more about the seven organisations and the donations their collecting below:   Dungog Shire Community Centre (Dungog Branch): collecting vouchers, tinned food and pantry items, personal and feminine hygiene products. No clothing or blankets please.  Carries Place (East Maitland Branch): collecting non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, new blankets, sleeping bags, beanies, scarves, tents and swags.  REACH Homeless Services (Maitland Branch): collecting tinned food and long-life pantry items, bottled water, warm and weatherproof clothing, personal hygiene items, sleeping bags, backpacks, umbrellas, gift cards and Opal cards.  Soul Hub (Mayfield and Edgeworth Branch): collecting tinned food (with ring top pull) and long-life pantry items, rice, pasta, dog food and personal hygiene items.  Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service (Raymond Terrace Branch): collecting tinner foods and pantry items, school snacks, beanies and gloves Maitland Region Community Support (Rutherford Branches): pantry staples, soups, pasta, milo and hot chocolate sachets, winter clothing and blankets.  Lifeline (Head Office) Check out which branch is closest to you on our website: Contact Us | The Mutual Bank