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For five vibrant days, the heart of Maitland came alive as more than 50 cultures and nations came together for one of the region’s most colourful and meaningful community celebrations.  Held from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 October 2026, Maitland Riverlights brought food, music, performances, art and cultural traditions to venues across the city. The celebrations culminated in a free main event at The Levee in Central Maitland on Saturday 10 October.  As presenting partner, The Mutual Bank was proud to once again support an event that brought people together and celebrated the many cultures, backgrounds and stories that make our region stronger.    A world of culture in the heart of Maitland  Across the five-day program, residents and visitors took part in cultural workshops, discovered new languages and stories, and explored creative traditions at venues including Maitland’s libraries and Maitland Regional Art Gallery.  The main event featured more than 20 cultural villages, traditional food, live performances and fashion from around the world. Visitors also collected Cultural Passports and gathered stamps as they explored the different villages.  As the sun set, the celebrations continued along the Hunter River with the Riverlights parade, lantern flotilla and a spectacular light show.  The Mutual Bank's tent was a popular stop for young festival-goers who proudly presented their completed Cultural Passports. After visiting every cultural village and collecting their stamps, children received a piggy bank and a $20 voucher towards a Mighty Mutual Kids Account. Beyond rewarding their curiosity and participation, the initiative helped introduce the value of saving and gave children a practical start on their financial journey.      Supporting the community we call home  The Mutual Bank was founded by local people more than 138 years ago with a simple purpose: to keep investment in the Hunter and help the community prosper. Today, that purpose continues through the Bank’s support for local events and initiatives that strengthen connections and help the region thrive.  For CEO Mark Williams, Riverlights reflects what strong communities are built on.  “At The Mutual Bank, we believe strong communities are built through connection, understanding and shared experiences. Events like Riverlights create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate what makes us unique and strengthen the sense of belonging that helps our community thrive.”  Riverlights brought activity into Maitland’s city centre, supported local businesses and celebrated the growing diversity of the community. It is why The Mutual Bank was proud to take part not only as a presenting partner, but as a local neighbour, supporter and champion of the region.  Riverlights also hosted Maitland’s annual Australian Citizenship Ceremony, where the city’s newest citizens made their citizenship pledge and were formally welcomed as Australians. Set against the colour and culture of the festival, the ceremony marked an important milestone and celebrated the stories, experiences and traditions each new citizen brings to the Maitland community.    A celebration to remember  Families and friends explored the cultural villages, discovered new traditions and shared in the food, music and entertainment that make Riverlights such a special part of the Maitland calendar.  The celebration was a reminder that while our stories and traditions may be different, it is the connections we create that bring us together as one community.  The Mutual Bank thanks everyone who helped make Maitland Riverlights 2026 a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and community.  Maitland Riverlights is presented by Maitland City Council and The Mutual Bank, with funding support from the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW.  

The Mutual Bank officially opened the doors to its new Cessnock branch this week, with local businesses, community organisations, Customers and civic leaders coming together to celebrate the bank's arrival in the community.   Held at the bank's new branch at 93 Vincent Street, the opening event marked the beginning of a new chapter for The Mutual Bank in Cessnock, one built on local relationships, community partnerships and a shared commitment to helping the region thrive.   Guests included Cessnock Mayor Dan Watton, representatives from Hunter Region Business Hub, Carrie's Place and Cessnock Minor Rugby League, alongside local businesses, Customers and community members who gathered to celebrate the occasion.     L-R: Shane Meister, Vice Chair of the Board, Alena Pople, General Manager – The Business Hub, Rebekah Sadlier, Engagement and Communications Manager - Carrie's Place, Stacey Wakeman, Cessnock Branch Manager - The Mutual Bank, Dan Watton, Cessnock City Mayor, Mark Williams, CEO - The Mutual Bank, Dan Ebert, President - Cessnock Goannas and representatives from Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club   The event also recognised the partnerships The Mutual Bank has established in Cessnock ahead of opening, reflecting its commitment to becoming part of the community long before the ribbon was cut.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said the strong turnout reflected the welcoming spirit of the Cessnock community.  "While today was officially about opening a branch, what we're really opening is a door to new conversations, new connections and new opportunities to support the people of Cessnock," Mr Williams said.   "We have been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we've received from local organisations, businesses and community members. The turnout at today's event reinforced why we were so excited to become part of this community."   The new branch will be led by Stacey Wakeman and supported by local team members Rebeca Wynter, Aishnn Iuliano and Cherise Welstead, who will help deliver the personal service The Mutual Bank is known for across the Hunter Region.     The Mutual Bank Cessnock Branch Manager Stacey Wakeman (centre) with Newcastle Knights NRLW players Olivia Higgins (L), Yasmin Meakes (R) and representatives from the Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club.   The Mutual Bank has also begun working closely with community organisations including Carrie's Place, Cessnock Minor Rugby League and Hunter Region Business Hub, partnerships that will continue to grow as the bank establishes its presence in the area.   "Becoming part of a community doesn't happen in a single morning," Mr Williams said.  "It's something that is earned over time through relationships, listening and showing up. We're proud to have opened our doors, but we're even more excited about what comes next."  For The Mutual Bank, the opening represents another step in its long history of supporting Hunter communities through local service, community investment and genuine connection. 

The Mutual Bank, proudly serving the Hunter Region since 1888, will celebrate the official opening of its new Cessnock branch at 93 Vincent St on Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 10am, marking another milestone in its long-standing commitment to helping regional communities thrive.   At a time when many regional bank branches have closed, The Mutual Bank continues to believe in being present, accessible and connected in the communities it calls home. For more than 138 years, the bank has grown alongside Hunter families, local businesses and community organisations, with branches that offer more than banking services. They provide a familiar place for conversations, guidance and support, and a trusted local team customers can turn to when they need it most.   As a customer-owned bank, The Mutual Bank’s commitment to regional communities is grounded in relationships, not transactions. Opening in Cessnock is about meeting the needs of a growing area, supporting regional confidence and ensuring customers continue to have access to local people who understand local opportunities, challenges and aspirations.    As the gateway to the Hunter Valley, Cessnock is a thriving hub for local businesses, tourism and emerging residential communities. Establishing a branch in Cessnock strengthens The Mutual Bank’s ability to support Customers and businesses across the region, while deepening its presence in an area with strong long-term potential.   That momentum makes Cessnock a natural place for The Mutual Bank to invest in local banking access. Like Maitland, the area is welcoming new residents, families and businesses, with developments such as Huntlee Estate helping shape vibrant communities and increase the need for trusted local services.   The new branch will provide a modern and functional environment for Customers, while creating another local base for the bank’s team to build relationships, support businesses and serve the community.    “Regional communities deserve access to banking services that are personal, local and built around their needs. Cessnock is growing, and we want to grow with it. We have already begun building relationships with local organisations that understand this community deeply, and we are proud to stand alongside Customers, businesses and community groups as they help shape Cessnock’s future,” The Mutual Bank CEO Mark Williams said.    The Mutual Bank has already begun building strong community connections in Cessnock, establishing community partnerships with Carrie’s Place, Cessnock Minor Rugby League and Hunter Region Business Hub in the lead-up to its official opening. Representatives from each organisation will attend the event, reflecting the bank’s intent to be part of the community from the beginning and to build relationships well before the ribbon is cut.   Hunter Region Business Hub Acting Chair Shane Meister welcomed the partnership and the bank’s investment in Cessnock. “This partnership brings together two trusted, community-focused organisations with a shared vision for a thriving and connected Hunter, helping local businesses build capability, make valuable connections and grow with confidence,” Mr Meister said.   The official opening will bring together Customers, community partners, local businesses and The Mutual Bank team to mark the bank’s arrival in Cessnock, one grounded in local presence, genuine connection and a long-term commitment to helping the region continue to thrive.  

The Mutual Bank is proud to be recognised as a finalist in multiple categories at the 2026 Business Hunter Awards, reflecting its ongoing commitment to its people, Members and the Hunter community.  The customer-owned bank has been named a finalist in:  Contribution to the Region  Excellence in Large Business (100+ Employees)  Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over)  Outstanding Employee, recognising Bronte Edwards  The acknowledgement follows a year of continued investment in people, technology and community initiatives that support The Mutual Bank's purpose of helping people thrive.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said being named a finalist reflects the efforts of employees across the organisation and its commitment to supporting Members and communities across the region.  "We're delighted to be named a finalist across a number of categories in this year's Business Hunter Awards," Mr Williams said.  "For us, these nominations reflect the commitment our people make every day to support our Members, strengthen our workplace and contribute positively to the communities we serve. We're proud to see those efforts recognised."  The Mutual Bank's nominations for Contribution to the Region and Excellence in Large Business recognise its long-standing role in supporting the local economy through lending, employment, community partnerships and local decision-making.  The Employer of Choice nomination reflects the Bank's focus on building a positive and inclusive workplace, supported by leadership development, wellbeing initiatives, flexibility and opportunities for employees to grow and contribute.  The Outstanding Employee nomination recognises Head of Data and Analytics, Bronte Edwards, whose leadership has strengthened the Bank's data capability, driven innovation and helped build future capability across the organisation.  Mr Williams said the recognition also highlights the important role customer-owned banking continues to play across the Hunter region.   "As a customer-owned bank, our success has always been closely linked to the success of the communities around us," Mr Williams said.  "For more than a century, we've been focused on helping local people, businesses and communities thrive. As the region continues to grow and change, we're continuing to invest in the communities we serve, so our Members can access the support they need close to home. We're honoured to be recognised alongside so many respected organisations and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the Hunter business community."  The 2026 Business Hunter Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the region, recognising organisations that make a meaningful contribution to the Hunter community. Winners will be announced at the Business Hunter Awards event in September this year. 

The Mutual Bank has been named as one of the Hunter Region’s leading organisations, winning both the prestigious Business of the Year title and the Financial and Real Estate Services category at the 2026 Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards. The dual recognition highlights the Bank’s longstanding commitment to delivering personalised, Member‑owned banking while supporting the financial wellbeing of local families, businesses and communities. Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said the recognition was particularly meaningful given the Bank’s deep connection to the region. “This recognition reflects the trust our Members place in us every day,” Mr Williams said. “To be named Business of the Year, alongside winning our category, is an incredible honour and a testament to our people, our purpose and our connection to the Hunter. “Being recognised in a region like the Hunter – known for its resilience, strong relationships and community spirit – makes this achievement particularly meaningful for our organisation.” Established in 1888, The Mutual Bank has supported generations of Members, reinvesting profits back into better rates, services and local initiatives rather than paying dividends to shareholders. As a Member‑owned bank, its purpose has remained unchanged for more than 137 years: to champion the financial wellbeing of Members and contribute to stronger, more connected communities. Mr Williams said the awards belongs not only to the organisation, but to the people behind it. “This recognition is shared with our team, whose care and commitment show up in every interaction, and with our Members and community who continue to support us,” he said. Over the past 12 months, The Mutual Bank has delivered strong performance and community impact, alongside receiving national recognition for its home loan offering and continuing to make investment in local initiatives across sport, education, health and social support services. “Our focus has always been simple - to stand alongside our Members and back the region we’re proud to call home, and this award encourages us to keep doing exactly that,” Mr Williams said. As proud sponsors of the Business Woman of the Year Award, The Mutual Bank also congratulates Sarah-Jane Dunford, Founder of Riskology, on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the outstanding contribution she is making to the Hunter business community.

The Mutual Bank Winter Appeal 2026 is now underway, inviting members, staff and the wider community to support local people doing it tough this winter. From 11 May to 19 June, donations can be dropped off at The Mutual Bank branches and Head Office to help local charities provide practical support where it is needed most. This year’s appeal supports seven local charities across the Hunter and surrounding region, helping individuals and families facing financial hardship, housing insecurity and other everyday challenges. From pantry essentials to warm winter items, every donation stays local and helps trusted community organisations offer care, dignity and hope.   Supporting local communities through winter Winter can bring extra pressure for households already juggling rising living costs. The Mutual Bank’s annual Winter Appeal gives the community a simple, practical way to help, whether by donating pantry staples, hygiene products or warm clothing for people who need support right now. For local charity partners, these donations mean more than everyday items. They help create comfort, relief and reassurance for people facing a difficult season. It is one more way The Mutual Bank continues to stand beside the communities it has proudly supported since 1888.   How to donate to the Winter Appeal Getting involved is simple. Add an extra item to your weekly shop and drop it into your nearest The Mutual Bank branch or Head Office collection point before 19 June. Most charity partners are requesting practical everyday essentials such as: Tinned and long-life pantry items Personal hygiene products Warm winter essentials such as gloves, beanies, jackets and blankets Donations collected through the appeal will support Dungog Shire Community Centre, Carries Place, Soul Hub, Our Circle Maitland, Maitland Region Community Support, Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service, and Great Lakes Women’s Shelter. By supporting these local organisations, every contribution helps people across our region feel seen, supported and cared for. At The Mutual Bank, community support has always been part of who we are. As a member-owned bank, we are proud to back the people and organisations working quietly every day to make life better for others. This winter, we invite our community to be part of something simple, practical and genuinely meaningful. Visit your nearest The Mutual Bank branch before 19 June to support the Winter Appeal 2026. Find your nearest branch >>