News

The Mutual Bank was proud to support Maitland and Kurri Kurri Hospitals in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025, held from 6-13 July. This year’s national theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,” placed local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth at the heart of the celebrations. This year marked the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, and the opportunity to spotlight the strength, resilience, and leadership potential of young Indigenous community members. Leading the way were School-Based Trainees—Annaliese Schonig-Jenkinson (Annie), Tahlia-May Massie, and Lilly Buckland—who played key roles in organising the week’s events. Annie also proudly served as the Master of Ceremonies for the launch. Kirsten Lawrence, Acting Clinical Nurse Educator – Cultural Safety for Maitland and Kurri Kurri Hospitals, coordinated engagement with local schools, facilitating cultural activities including traditional basket weaving and dance workshops. Students from Maitland Public School participated with great pride, performing their first-ever cultural dance for hospital staff and families. Teacher, Dave Wells, expressed his pride in the students, noting their enthusiasm and commitment. The school’s choral group was also invited back to perform at a future hospital event. Our Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said The Mutual Bank was proud to sponsor the cultural engagement activities. “Supporting the next generation to carry forward cultural knowledge and pride is something we’re honoured to be part of,’ he said. Special guests included CEO of Mindaribba Local Land Council, Tara Dever, staff from Bungaree and Aunty Lorraine Martyn and Aunty Lorraine Dederer who performed the cake cutting with Annie. Learn more about National NAIDOC Week and The Mutual Bank’s Sponsorship program.

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.

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.

Alongside our commitment to local sport, The Mutual Bank has partnered with high profile professional rugby league players Hannah and Jesse Southwell. The Southwell sisters, born and raised in the Hunter, who played their junior rugby league with the Kotara Bears, are both contracted to the Newcastle Knights for the next five years. Hannah is a NSW and Australian rugby league representative and has also represented Australia in rugby sevens as well as playing elite-level soccer. Jesse collected a Commonwealth Games gold medal in rugby sevens before switching codes to rugby league and was named the NRLW Rookie of the Year in 2022. Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said the partnership with the Southwell siblings is in addition to our earlier announcement of a partnership with Newcastle Knights player Sheridan Gallagher and aims to contribute to the momentum of raising the profile of women’s sport. “The Hunter really got behind The Matilda’s during their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign and that was tremendous to see,” he said. “Women’s rugby league is an emerging sport with increasing participation and profile, and the back-to back premiership wins by the Newcastle Knights Women has certainly lifted the profile even more.” The Mutual Bank will run a campaign featuring some of the homegrown talent that we support, from grassroots clubs to stars, in sports from netball to triathlon and various codes of football. As a member-owned bank, our profits don’t go into the pockets of shareholders, but rather are invested back into better products and services and sponsorship of community organisations and initiatives. “We are excited to be supporting through sponsorship, the Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club’s first women’s team in the Newcastle Rugby league competition,” said Matthew. “That’s alongside our long-standing sponsorship of Maitland and District Netball Association and sponsorship of Maitland Touch Football Association, Maitland Triathlon Club and Maitland Football Club.” Keep an eye on our social media channels to see more of Hannah, Jesse and Sheridan along with the local community organisations backed by The Mutual Bank.

The Mutual Bank’s Annual Christmas Appeal has been a wonderful event for our team and Members in the last few years, brightening local families’ lives at what can be a tough time of year for some. This year, we are partnering with the Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive to help make even more of a difference. The Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive is a community initiative 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 becoming 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 supports grassroots charities and community organisations, helping them to meet the growing needs of families seeking assistance at what can be a really challenging time of year,” Matthew said. “Each year the donations have steadily increased with thousands of toys going to families in need.” Todd Sheldon from Bolwarra Heights, who is also the 2022 Maitland Citizen of the Year, organises the annual event which is now in its eighth 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, 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 families that are seeking support and assistance,” said Todd. “We changed the name in 2022 to honour our mum and nanny who passed away during our 2021 campaign. Mum was a catalyst for starting this and will be forever loved and missed.” 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.