News

Experience a Piece of Regional History at Warbirds Over Scone | Proudly Supported by The Mutual Bank

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:00:25 Z

The Mutual Bank is honoured to once again support Warbirds Over Scone, returning in March 2026 as one of the Hunter region’s most iconic and historically significant events. More than an airshow, Warbirds Over Scone stands as a powerful celebration of aviation heritage and the stories that have shaped our region’s identity.

Hosted at Scone Airport 28 – 29 March, and set against the backdrop of the Hunter Valley, this two-day festival brings history to life with one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most remarkable collections of vintage and wartime aircraft. Highlights for 2026 include:

Australia’s largest gathering of Supermarine Spitfires since WWII

A spectacular assembly of Mustangs, Kittyhawks, classic trainers and heritage favourites

The world’s only flying F4U1D Corsair

Australia’s only airworthy Vampire and the legendary Sea Fury “Southern Cross”

Aerobatic displays from Paul Bennet Airshows

Dozens of aircraft on static display, including rare heritage jets and meticulously restored warbirds

Visitors can also explore the Hunter Warbirds museum, enjoy adventure and helicopter flights, browse market stalls, view classic cars and take in a festival atmosphere that blends history, community and family fun.

Preserving Heritage. Supporting Community. Strengthening the Region.

As a customer owned bank, The Mutual Bank exists to support the people and places that make the Hunter region unique. Our partnership with Warbirds Over Scone reflects our shared commitment to celebrating local heritage and preserving the stories that define our community owned bank, The Mutual Bank exists to support the people and places that make the Hunter region unique. Our partnership with Warbirds Over Scone reflects our shared commitment to celebrating local heritage and preserving the stories that define our community.

For more than 135 years, we’ve reinvested our profits into what matters most:

Award winning home and personal lending winning home and personal lending

Personalised, community focused service focused service
Partnerships and events that honour and strengthen our region’s character

Warbirds Over Scone captures the rich aviation history and enduring spirit of the Upper Hunter – a spirit The Mutual Bank has proudly supported since 1888.

Erin Howells Returns to Lead Internal Audit at The Mutual Bank

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:06:07 Z

The Mutual Bank is pleased to welcome Erin Howells back to the organisation, returning to her role as Head of Internal Audit and rejoining the Executive team. Erin joined The Mutual Bank in May 2023 and was appointed to the Executive team in September 2023. Following a brief period away from the organisation, she has now returned to continue supporting strong governance and assurance outcomes for our members.

Erin brings more than 18 years’ experience in the financial services sector, with a strong background in customer-owned banking organisations. Her deep understanding of the mutual banking environment, combined with her leadership expertise, positions her to make a significant contribution to the continued strength and effectiveness of The Mutual Bank’s internal audit function.

In this role, Erin will help strengthen governance, risk management and assurance practices across the organisation, supporting the ongoing effectiveness of our internal control environment.

We look forward to the expertise and leadership Erin will bring as we continue to serve our members and communities.

Changes to The Mutual Bank Interest Rates

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:04:34 Z

The Mutual Bank will make changes to its deposit and lending interest rates following the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision on 17 March 2026 to increase the official cash rate by 0.25% to 4.10%.

Chief Member Officer, Matthew Dunnill, said The Mutual Bank continues to carefully balance the needs of both depositor and borrower Members.

“The Mutual Bank’s interest rates remain under regular review, to ensure we remain both competitive and sustainable,” Matthew said.

“We seek to balance the needs of both our depositor Members and borrower Members, by delivering consistently competitive rates across our range of products.”

Term Deposits

Term Deposit rates will increase for most terms, effective 20 March 2026

Savings Accounts

Some Savings Account interest rates will increase by 0.25%, effective 9 April 2026

Home Loan and Business Lending Changes 

For existing borrowers: 

Variable interest rates for Owner Occupied, Investment, Business and Commercial Home Loans will increase by 0.25% p.a., effective 9 April 2026. Members will receive written notification outlining their revised repayment amounts.
Fixed interest rates for Owner Occupied, Investment and Business Loans will increase, effective 23 March 2026.

Support for Members Experiencing Financial Pressure

Matthew encouraged any Member feeling the impact of rising living costs to reach out early.

“Please reach out to your Lending Manager, visit a branch or phone our Hunter-based Contact Centre Team on 1300 688 825. Based on your circumstances, our team can assess your eligibility for a range of support options such as loan deferrals, interest-only periods, or other appropriate relief.”

Members can view the full list of The Mutual Bank’s current interest rates here.

Get Rewarded with a $200 eGift Card When You Insure with CGU

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:54:37 Z

Looking to protect your home, car, or investment property? Now’s the perfect time.

From 3 March to 28 April, The Mutual Bank is offering a $200 eGift card for every new eligible CGU insurance policy taken out.

Whether it’s Building, Contents, Landlords, or Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance, you’ll be rewarded for helping secure your peace of mind.

How it works

Take out a new eligible CGU policy through The Mutual Bank.
Ensure your policy starts during the offer period and is paid in full or first instalment.
Receive your $200 eGift card via email or SMS within 8 weeks of the campaign end.

Ready to insure and be rewarded?

Visit CGU Insurance campaign, call into a branch or call us on 1300 688 825.

Promotion valid from 3 March until 28 April 2026. The eGift Card will be provided per eligible policy, not per person. Terms and conditions apply. The Mutual Bank ABN 94 087 651 983, AFSL 238139 acts under its own AFSL and under an agreement with the issuer Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722, AFSL 227681 under the CGU brand. Any advice provided is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (your personal circumstances). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant the PDS and TMD from the CGU website https://www.cgu.com.au/partner/policy-booklets.

Breaking Silence, Building Hope: The Mutual Bank Joins Forces with Lotus Asocsa to Empower Survivors

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:10:50 Z

The Mutual Bank has announced a sponsorship of Lotus Asocsa, a local charity dedicated to empowering female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse through healing, connection, advocacy, and recovery. The bank’s generous donation of $3,000 will fund essential resources such as stationery, journals, and equipment to help run Lotus Asocsa’s free eight-week support groups.

Founded by Jillian Rae after her own search for support revealed a gap in services – particularly in the Hunter New England area, Lotus Asocsa provides a safe, trauma-informed environment where women can connect, share, and deepen their healing journey. The organisation works collaboratively with survivors and their families, offering emotional support and practical assistance across health, legal, housing, and financial systems.

Jillian Rae, President of Lotus Asocsa, said:

“This support from The Mutual Bank means so much to us and the women we serve. Every dollar helps create a safe space where survivors can feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we are breaking the silence and building hope.”

The eight-week program starts on 31 March 2026, and new referrals and applicants are welcome. As a newly established organisation, Lotus Asocsa is committed to expanding its services across the Hunter New England region and, with future growth and funding, aims to increase the number of weekly sessions to better meet community need.

Felicity Laczina, Chief Operations Officer, The Mutual Bank, added:

“We are proud to stand alongside Lotus Asocsa in their mission to support survivors. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe in backing initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Women interested in joining future support groups or learning more about Lotus Asocsa can visit www.lotusasocsa.org.au or email la@lotusasocsa.org.au.

www.lotusasocsa.org.au

Backing Future Surfing Stars

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:10:55 Z

The Surfest High School Teams Challenge draws enthusiastic teams from across NSW, with growing female participation highlighting The Mutual Bank’s commitment to inclusivity and youth development.  

For the fourth consecutive year, The Mutual Bank proudly sponsors this cornerstone event, reinforcing its dedication to community, grassroots sport, and the development of future champions.  

This year’s challenge will be held at South Bar Beach on 19 and 20 February during Newcastle Surfest’s 40th anniversary celebrations, as part of six community events leading up to the World Surf League Challenger Series from March 9 -15, 2026. Open exclusively to NSW high schools, the competition features boys’ and girls’, divisions, with teams of up to five surfers showcasing their skills and teamwork.

Event Director Warren Smith said:  

“The continued growth of this event wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of The Mutual Bank. Last year we saw more schools than ever take part, including 20 women’s teams – the highest number in the event’s history. Newcastle Surfest is proud to present The Mutual Bank High School Teams Challenge as part of our 40-year celebrations.”  

The Mutual Bank’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting local sporting stars while championing inclusivity and the rise of women in sport. Beyond surfing, the bank also backs youth female teams in netball, touch football, and Premier League football, reinforcing its goal of creating opportunities for young women to thrive.  

Matthew Dunnill, Chief Member Officer at The Mutual Bank, said:  

“The Mutual Bank High School Teams Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for young surfers to gain invaluable experience and demonstrate their talent. We are proud to support an event that aligns with our commitment to helping people thrive and fostering strong community connections.”  

With no entry fee and prizes for finalists, the challenge offers an accessible and exciting platform for young athletes to shine. Surfest’s 40th anniversary reinforces its status as the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest surfing festival, where local talent meets international excellence.   

Many competitors in the High School Teams Challenge progress to Surfest’s Junior Championship divisions and even the World Surf League, making this event a proven pathway for emerging talent. By supporting this grassroots opportunity, The Mutual Bank helps nurture the next generation of surfing champions while promoting inclusivity and community engagement.  

Interest Rate Updates Following RBA Decision

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:31:00 Z

The Mutual Bank will make changes to a range of deposit and lending interest rates following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision on 3 February 2026 to increase the official cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85%.

Chief Member Officer, Matthew Dunnill, said The Mutual Bank continues to carefully balance the needs of both depositor and borrower Members.

“The Mutual Bank’s interest rates remain under regular review, to ensure we remain both competitive and sustainable,” Matthew said.

“We seek to balance the needs of both our depositor Members and borrower Members, by delivering consistently competitive rates across our range of products.”

Recent Term Deposit Increases

In anticipation of the RBA decision, The Mutual Bank recently increased several Term Deposit interest rates:

Four-month Term Deposit: now 4.3% p.a.

Twelve-month Term Deposit: now 4.25% p.a.

Savings Account Updates

Some Savings Account interest rates will increase by 0.25%, effective 1 March 2026.

Home Loan and Business Lending Changes

For existing borrowers:

Variable Home Loan interest rates — including Owner Occupied, Investment, Business, and Commercial loans — will increase by 0.25% p.a. from 23 February 2026. Members will receive written notification outlining their new repayments.

Fixed Loan interest rates will increase:

Owner Occupied: +0.2%

Investment & Business Loans: +0.25%
Effective 6 February 2026.

Support for Members Experiencing Financial Pressure

Matthew encouraged any Member feeling the impact of rising living costs to reach out early.

Members can view the full list of The Mutual Bank’s current interest rates here.

About The Mutual Bank

The Mutual Bank is a customer-owned bank headquartered in East Maitland and has been helping people thrive since 1888. Our Budget Home Loan has proudly won the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Award in the Low-Cost Home Loan category for three consecutive years, as well as multiple WeMoney Awards, including Customer Owned Bank Lender of the Year for 2025.

A Moment for Reflection and Kindness

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:44:29 Z

Today, 22 January 2026, Australia observes a National Day of Mourning to honour the lives lost and all those affected by the recent tragedy at Bondi. The national theme, “Light will win – a gathering of unity and remembrance,” encourages communities across the country to pause, reflect, and come together with empathy.

This day invites us to acknowledge the impact such events can have on individuals and communities. Simple actions, listening, checking in on someone, lighting a candle, or observing a moment of silence, can help create a sense of connection and support.

At The Mutual Bank, our purpose is grounded in people. We believe communities grow stronger when we lead with empathy, support one another, and choose kindness in small, meaningful ways.

In the spirit of this important day, The Mutual Bank will undertake an act of kindness to support our community, by making a donation to Lifeline Hunter to assist their ongoing work in providing vital crisis support across our region.

If you’re feeling the emotional weight of recent events, consider reaching out to a trusted person or a support service. Lifeline Hunter (13 11 14) offers confidential assistance to anyone who needs to talk.

A nationwide minute of silence will be observed at 7:01pm AEDT, and Australians are invited to participate in whatever way feels meaningful, through quiet reflection, acts of kindness, or displaying a candle in remembrance.

As a community minded organisation, The Mutual Bank remains committed to compassion, respect, and unity – today and every day.

Open a Term Deposit online

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 01:24:16 Z

We’re making saving simpler. Members can open a Term Deposit online in Internet Banking, anytime it suits. No branch visit, no paperwork. Just log in, choose your term, and start earning!

Why our Members love Term Deposits

Certainty: Lock in a higher interest rate for a fixed term.
Simplicity: One application, one confirmation, clear timelines.
Focus: Put funds aside and watch your savings grow.

It’s as easy as logging in to Internet Banking and following the prompts.

Not yet a Member of The Mutual Bank?

Join online in minutes, then once your Internet Banking is established you can log in to open your Term Deposit.

We’ve been proud to see our products recognised, including Term Deposit Account Of The Year (Customer Owned Bank) at the 2025 WeMoney Banking Awards, reflecting our focus on Member value and service.

Ready to get started?

Open a Term Deposit online in Internet Banking today.

Any advice or information on this site does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Please review our Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determinations, Terms and Conditions, Financial Services Guide, and Credit Guide before deciding to acquire a product.

The Mutual Bank Partners with NRLW Stars

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:33:14 Z

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with two of the biggest names in women’s rugby league - Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins.

Both are standout players in the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition, playing for the Newcastle Knights after being raised in the Hunter. They are proud Jillaroos representatives, and now they’re joining The Mutual Bank family.

We’re proud to champion women in sport and strengthen our connection to the communities we serve.

Yasmin, captain of the Newcastle Knights, is a force on the field in the second row. Her sporting journey includes representing Australia in Rugby Union before making her mark in rugby league at the Roosters, Knights and representing NSW in the Sky Blues and Australia in the Jillaroos. Raised in Cardiff South and now living in Scone, Yasmin is a qualified high school teacher who is currently devoting all her energy to sport. She’s also a co-founder of Future Fierce Academy, a program dedicated to empowering female players of all ages.

Olivia, also a three-time NRLW premiership winner alongside Yasmin and NSW and Australian representative, brings her own impressive credentials. Olivia made her test debut in 2024 and was part of the winning national side again this year. A Raymond Terrace local and former All Saints Maitland student, Olivia now teaches at Newcastle High and shares Yasmin’s passion for developing the next generation of players as her business partner in Future Fierce Academy.

We’re thrilled to have Yasmin and Olivia represent The Mutual Bank and can’t wait to share some exciting promotions and content featuring the duo in the coming months.

Festive season trading hours

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:31:30 Z

Over the festive season our Branches and Contact Centre will be closed on the following days:

Christmas Day: Thursday 25 December 2025

Boxing Day: Friday 26 December 2025

Saturday 27 December 2025

New Years Day: Thursday 1 January 2026

Regular hour will apply on all other days

Scheduled Payments:

Scheduled payments for 25 – 27 December 2025, will be processed in advance on Wednesday 24 December.

Scheduled payment for Thursday 1 January 2026, will be processed in advance on Wednesday 31 December 2025.

We thank you for your understanding and wish you a happy and safe festive season.

Joseph Hill Earns Prestigious Career Award

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:26:36 Z

The Mutual Bank is proud to announce that our Data and Analytics Intern Joseph Hill has won the Student Employability Achievement Award at the University of Newcastle’s 2025 Employability Excellence Awards.

Joseph joined The Mutual Bank in June 2025 and is working in the Data and Analytics team whilst studying a Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Data Science and quickly became an integral part of our team. From day one, he impressed us with his fresh ideas, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn. His hard work and commitment have now been recognised on a major stage.

This award celebrates students who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and dedication to developing employability skills through diverse experiences. Joseph’s journey is a shining example of how curiosity and persistence can lead to incredible career opportunities.

We were proud to celebrate alongside Joseph at the awards night and even more excited when the University of Newcastle’s media team visited our Head Office to film a special video highlighting his achievement.

Want to hear Joseph’s story? Watch his video here

Why This Matters for Your Career

At The Mutual Bank, we believe in creating career-ready opportunities for students and graduates. Internships like Joseph’s provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world projects that help future professionals thrive.

As the University of Newcastle celebrates 60 years of serving our regions, these awards showcase the partnerships and programs that prepare students for life beyond university – through career-ready placements, innovative teaching, and impactful industry engagement. We’re honoured to play a role in this journey.

Explore Careers at The Mutual Bank

Looking for an opportunity to kickstart your career in banking, data analytics, or customer service? Join a team that values growth, innovation, and community impact.

View Current Opportunities
Interested in doing an internship or University placement at The Mutual Bank? > Contact our People and Culture team

Congratulations again, Joseph! You’ve done us proud.

Sending money oversees now even easier

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 04:25:24 Z

We’re excited to announce a new feature that makes sending money overseas easier than ever for our Members.

You can now make international transfers under $2000 directly through Internet Banking — securely, conveniently and with no fees for self-service transactions.

What’s New?

Through our trusted partner Convera, Members can now access international money transfers online. Whether you're supporting family abroad, paying for overseas goods or services, or managing international business, this feature puts the power in your hands at your convenience.

Self-service convenience: No need to visit a branch, just log in to your Internet Banking to send international transfers. If you need to make a payment more than $2000, please contact us.

More than 30 currencies supported: Including USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, INR, CNY, JPY and more.

No fees for online transfers: Save on costs when you manage transfers yourself in Internet Banking.

Secure and reliable: Backed by Convera’s global network.

Making an international payment is simple:

Log in to Internet Banking.
Go to Send Money > International Transfer.
Choose an existing payee or add a new recipient.
Enter recipient details including bank name, SWIFT/BIC, and account number or IBAN.
5. Select the currency and amount.
Review the exchange rate and enter the purpose of payment.
Submit the transfer—new payees will require second factor authentication (SMS One Time password or your token) for verification.
Optionally, you can add your email to receive a receipt.

To complete a transfer, have the following information ready:

Recipient’s full name and address
Bank name and SWIFT/BIC code
IBAN or account number
Reason for payment

Learn more about International Transfers and read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Important information: The Mutual Bank has entered into contractual arrangements with Convera Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 150 129 749; AFSL 404092) (“Convera”), to assist it in fulfilling certain foreign exchange and payment services, including telegraphic transfers. The relationship relating to the services described is solely between you and The Mutual Bank. If you make or receive an international transfer, the Mutual Bank will receive a commission from Convera.

$5,000 Cashback for First Home Buyers

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:32:00 Z

We’re excited to launch our new campaign designed to support first home buyers with a generous cashback offer and access to government schemes.

Starting 16 October, eligible borrowers can enjoy a $5,000 cashback when they meet specific conditions, making the dream of home ownership even more achievable.

Both Owner Occupied and Investment loans are eligible for the cashback offer.

Making first home ownership even closer, eligible first home buyers can also access the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. This means they can buy a first home with as little as 5% deposit and no need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance if they meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

Learn more.

Cashback offer is available for new applications submitted between 16 October and 30 November 2025 and settled by 30 April 2026. Excluding construction loans where settlements may vary. Offer can be withdrawn at any time, minimum loan amount $500,000. Only available for eligible first home buyers for purchases and new builds. To be eligible to receive the bonus your salary must be directed to your Everyday Account or 100% Offset Account. View full Terms and Conditions for the First Home Buyer Cashback Offer.

Confirmation of Payee is here

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:10:36 Z

A new layer of protection for your payments is now live.

The Mutual Bank has introduced Confirmation of Payee (CoP) - an industry-wide service designed to help protect you from mistaken payments and scams when sending money to a BSB and account number.

What is Confirmation of Payee?

Confirmation of Payee checks the account name, BSB, and account number you enter against the details held by the recipient’s bank. It then lets you know whether the information matches, closely matches, or doesn’t match at all. This gives you more confidence that your money is going where you intend it to.

How does it work?

You don’t need to do anything to activate CoP, it’s already available in Internet Banking and the Mutual App. When you make a payment or update a payee’s details, you’ll see the match result before confirming the transaction.

Learn more, including some Frequently Asked Questions here.

Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Performance

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:54:37 Z

The Mutual Bank was founded in 1888 in Maitland, regional NSW, by a group of passionate locals with a very clear mission: to keep financial investment local and support regional prosperity. Today, we have a clear vision to be the bank of choice for the Hunter and regional communities. We exist to champion financial wellbeing for our Members and regional communities, helping people thrive.

The customer-owned banking model matters because, unlike shareholder-owned banks that focus on maximising returns for investors, customer-owned banks like The Mutual Bank reinvest earnings into better rates, lower fees and improved services for their Members who are also the owners. This model fosters greater trust, financial inclusion and long-term community investment; and as a result, makes banking more responsive to local needs.

A Year of Strong, Sustainable Growth and Balanced Performance

The Mutual Bank’s CEO Mark Williams said that the bank has had a successful 2025 financial year, characterised by strong and sustainable growth and balanced performance across its key financial metrics.

“Given the difficult economic environment our Members have faced with cost of living pressures, The Mutual Bank has strived to strike the right balance between competitive interest rates, ensuring the ongoing financial strength of the organisation and investing in the business for the benefit of current and future Members”.

“The Mutual Bank is financially strong, well capitalised and committed to ensuring that our Members banking needs are met.”

Key financial highlights for the 2025 year included:

7.3% growth in total assets to $1.2 billion;
robust growth in the total loan portfolio of 9.5%, compared to total credit growth across the financial services industry of 6.8%, meaning that The Mutual Bank grew at a multiple of 1.4 times the growth experienced by the broader financial services sector;
pleasing growth in total deposits of 7.3%, in line with total deposit growth across the financial services industry;
a profit of $2.8m (an increase of 16.8% compared to the year ended 30 June 2024). The Mutual Bank’s profit level resulted in the capital adequacy ratio being maintained at 16.4% and its growth objectives being achieved, while simultaneously making substantial investments into a range of business initiatives to benefit both current and future Members;
maintaining a strong net interest margin of 2.50%, compared to 2.41% for the previous year;
maintaining a strong provision for expected credit losses at 0.10% of the total loan portfolio given the uncertainty of the future operating environment, despite continuing strong credit quality and arrears experience;
successfully completing the second Medium-Term Note issuance, raising $32 million in funding through one and three year Floating Rate Notes, which diversifies funding sources and lengthens the overall maturity profile of funding; and
the bank’s external credit rating outlook improving from stable to positive reflecting The Mutual Bank’s strategic clarity and strong governance.

A Year of Strong Investment in Improving Our Services to Members and Supporting our Communities

The Mutual Bank’s Strategic Plan remains firmly centred on continuing to provide high quality banking services to its Members.

For the third year running, The Mutual Bank’s Budget Home Loan won a Mozo Expert’s Choice Home Loan Award in the coveted Low-Cost Home Loan category in recognition of the consistent value that our lending products provide.

The Mutual Bank is also proud of its service to Members, with the Net Promoter Score being measured twice during the year, and scoring an average of 61, which is significantly higher than the scores of the major banks.

During the 2025 financial year, The Mutual Bank focused on enhancing our proposition to Members, Team Members and the community by making significant investments, including:

refurbishing our East Maitland branch to provide a contemporary banking experience for our Members and a functional work environment for our Team Members. Unlike the major banks, The Mutual Bank continues to recognise the importance of its branch network in its distribution strategy, supporting regional communities and is consistent with delivering our Members choice in how they continue to bank with us;
in our digital capabilities, including further significant capability enhancements to our Digital Lending Channel (including integrations with key third-party providers, the streamlining of loan documentation and the digital delivery of loan documents to Members), upgrades to Internet Banking, the website and The Mutual App;
delivering a bold and future-focused data transformation program that will progressively transform how we manage and use information. By modernising our data infrastructure, we aim to unlock real-time insights that will support faster and decision making;
continuing to strengthen our information and cyber security capabilities given the ever-evolving threat environment;
successfully implementing the requirements of a new APRA Prudential Standard – CPS 230 Operational Risk Management that will materially strengthen the resilience of the ability of an ADI to manage their operational risks, ensure the continuity of critical operations and manage third-party service providers who support these critical operations; and
contributing over $170,000 to local community, sporting and cultural initiatives and social causes.

A Year of Supporting and Developing our People

Our Team Members make a meaningful difference at The Mutual Bank through their passion, dedication and commitment to our values of Integrity, Respect and Care.
We recognise that our People are our greatest asset and that without great people, we cannot succeed. We remain committed to supporting our people with flexible work arrangements, career and development pathways, employee benefits, wellbeing initiatives, and facilitating collaboration and communication forums.

Looking To The Future

Our Members will remain at the centre of our Strategic Plan with all organisational decisions and efforts focused on achieving our vision of becoming the bank of choice for the Hunter and regional communities.

We remain committed to our Channel of Choice Strategy, maintaining financial strength and robust risk management and resilience and supporting our local communities.
The Mutual Bank is financially strong, well capitalised and committed to balancing short-term financial performance with long-term sustainability to ensure that our Members banking needs are met.

We sincerely thank our Members for their unwavering loyalty and support, and all Team Members of The Mutual Bank team who provide exceptional service and continue to strive for excellence to ensure that we continue to meet the banking needs of our Members.

View the full Annual Report online here.

Own Your First Home Sooner

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:01:59 Z

Imagine stepping into your first home sooner than you thought possible, with less upfront cost and more flexibility.

The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme is designed to help first home buyers, single parents, and legal guardians fast-track their journey to home ownership. With low deposit requirements and no income caps or Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), it’s a great way to get started.

Whether you're buying a cosy apartment, a family home, or building on vacant land, the Scheme gives you the freedom to choose a home that suits your lifestyle, location, and budget.

Low deposit options - 5% for first home buyers, or 2% for single parents/legal guardians.

No income caps

No Lenders Mortgage Insurance

Wide choice of home types - from apartments to house-and-land packages.

Unlimited spots

Ready to get started?

Use the Housing Australia online eligibility tool to check your status in minutes and check out the price caps for the area you are looking to buy in with the postcode tool. Then, speak with a one of our Lenders to explore your options and start your journey to home ownership.

WeMoney Award Winners

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:59:45 Z

We’re thrilled to announce that The Mutual Bank has been recognised as a leader in Australian banking at the 2025 WeMoney Financial Services Awards!

Our achievements this year:

Lender of the Year (Customer Owned Bank) – Home Loans (Winner)

Best for First Home Buyers (Finalist)

Term Deposit Account of the Year (Customer Owned Bank) (Winner)

Outstanding Customer Service – Personal Loans (Winner)

Outstanding Customer Service – Car Loans (Winner)

These awards are a testament to our commitment to delivering outstanding value, service, and support to our Members.

With WeMoney’s audience of more than 1.3 million Australians (93% of whom are Gen Z and Millennials) these accolades cement The Mutual Bank’s position as a trusted choice for the next generation of banking customers.

Thank you to our dedicated team and loyal Members for making these achievements possible.

We’re proud to help our communities thrive with award-winning products and service.

New Mutual App

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:26:54 Z

We’re thrilled to announce that a new version of the Mutual App is now available in the App Store and on Google Play. It’s packed with improvements designed to make your banking experience better than ever.

What’s changing?

We have listened to Member feedback and the latest upgrade introduces a fresh, modern design with a new menu that makes navigation faster and more intuitive. You’ll also be able to personalise your experience by adding a profile picture and customising your Home screen with widgets like Accounts or Savings Goals.

Enhanced security with Confirmation of Payee

With this upgrade, we’ve rolled out Confirmation of Payee (CoP) – a new feature that helps ensure your payments go to the right person. When you make a first-time payment or update a saved payee, CoP checks the account name against the recipient’s bank records and gives you a match result before you proceed so you can ensure the funds go where you intend them to.

Learn more about Confirmation of Payee.

When can I get the new app?

The new version will be available for download later this week in both the App Store and Google Play. If you have your device set to automatically update, it will happen automatically. Members using the older version of the app will receive an in-app message encouraging them to upgrade.

Why upgrade?

While the app will continue to function, the new version offers a more seamless experience – especially for payments. We’re excited to bring you a better way to bank - and we thank you for being part of The Mutual Bank.

Presenting Maitland Riverlights

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:40:16 Z

The Mutual Bank is proud to be the presenting partner of Maitland Riverlights 2025, a spectacular celebration of culture, creativity and community spirit in the heart of the Hunter.

Maitland Riverlights is more than just a festival. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings people together to connect, share stories and celebrate diversity. It perfectly aligns with our ethos of supporting regional prosperity and creating inclusive experiences for all.

The program will feature an exciting array of cultural workshops, live performances and interactive activities held across various locations throughout the city of Maitland.

Our CEO, Mark Williams, said Maitland Riverlights is a truly magnificent event that brings our community together to connect, swap stories and share joy.

“Events like Maitland Riverlights energise our city centre, support local businesses, and contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of our region,” said Mark.

“We’re thrilled to help shine a light on Maitland and everything that makes it such a special place to live, work and visit.”

Save the Date!

Get ready for a week-long celebration from Tuesday 7 October and culminating with the main event on Saturday 11 October.

More details about the program will be released closer to the date but you can stay up to date by visiting the Maitland City Council website: https://www.maitlandriverlights.com.au/.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Mutual Care Appeal

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:17:12 Z

The Mutual Bank is partnering with local community groups to help ease the pressure many local families are facing with the current cost of living.

This September our branches and Head Office are collection points for donations of everyday items which charities regularly give out to assist those in need.

Our Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said The Mutual Bank is guided by its values of Integrity, Respect and Care and had proudly been partnering with community organisations for a number of years to support local people in need.

“Our staff, Members and the wider community have always been incredibly generous - donating a few items each, which together makes a big difference,” he said.

“We hope that the community will once again get behind this year’s Mutual Care Appeal by dropping even just one extra item into their shopping trolley with the thought it will help ease someone else’s burden.”

Suggested donation items include:

• Baby items such as wipes
• Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant and soap
• Long-life products such as milk or custard
• Tea and coffee
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Canned fruit

The Mutual Bank’s branches across the Hunter will be collecting items to donate to:

• Dungog Shire Community Centre
• Carrie’s Place
• Maitland Region Community Support
• Soul Hub Newcastle
• Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services
• Our Circle Maitland

The Mutual Bank has been helping people thrive since 1888.

We're passing on the RBA rate cut

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 03:13:00 Z

We will be reducing our variable interest rates for existing Members' Home Loans and Business Loans following the Reserve Bank’s decision on Tuesday 12 August 2025 to decrease the official cash rate by 25 basis points.

“The Mutual Bank’s interest rates are regularly reviewed to ensure we remain both competitive and sustainable,” said CEO Mark Williams.

“With the RBA’s decision to reduce the official cash rate, we want to ensure our Members with a variable rate home or business loan can access rate relief as soon as possible, so we have quickly resolved to pass on the rate cut in full to our existing borrowing Members,” he said.

Members will be informed about their new repayments in coming weeks.

Our deposit rates remain under review.

“We hope that the reduction in variable home loan interest rates will continue to ease the pressure for home and business owners after what has been a challenging rate increase cycle, with no change last month,” said Mark.

Financial hardship support: Members affected by cost-of-living pressures are encouraged to discuss their loan with our friendly team. Please contact us if you need support to meet your loan obligations.

Based on your circumstances, our team can assess your eligibility for a range of support options that may be available to you, such as loan deferrals, interest-only periods, or other appropriate relief.

We are here to help you, if you need support please reach out to us.

New here, and looking for a better deal on your home loan?

Our Budget Home Loan has won a Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Award in the Low-Cost Home Loan Category three years in a row.

Make the switch and apply online today.

Tea and Tips: Scam Awareness Event

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:15:53 Z

Scams Awareness Week is back from 25–29 August, and this year we’re building on the success of last year’s branch visits by taking our message even further into the community.

Last year, our team visited our branches to speak directly with Members about scams - how they happen, who they target and how to stay safe. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with Members sharing their own experiences and learning how to protect themselves and their loved ones.

This year, we’re continuing that momentum with an event designed to open up the conversation, raise awareness and empower our community to take action.

What’s Happening This Year?

Our team will be hosting “Tea and Tips: Staying Safe from Scams” - a special event on Tuesday 26 August from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm at the East Maitland Bowling Club.

Members are invited to come along for a cuppa and hear from our CEO Mark Williams and a panel of experts as they share insights into common scams and how to avoid them. Our panel of experts will include:

Tamar MacDonald - Head of Financial Crimes, The Mutual Bank
Giselle Lindley - Head of Financial Crimes, Indue
Roger Darvall-Stevens - Partner, Fraud & Forensic Science, RSM Australia
Andrew Connelly - Director, Fraud & Forensic Science, RSM Australia

Our Financial Crimes Team will be available to chat, answer questions and hand out resources like the Little Black Book of Scams and our handy scam prevention fridge magnets.

Why It Matters

Australians lost $2 billion to scammers in 2024. The good news is the amount lost has dropped from the previous year which the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Targeting Scams Report attributes to the growing impact of coordinated efforts by government, industry, law enforcement and community organisations to disrupt scam operations and protect consumers.

The top five scam types in the report were investment, romance, payment redirection, remote access and phishing scams, which jointly accounted for more than 70 per cent of the total combined losses.

By sharing stories and starting conversations, we can help others spot scams before they happen. We want our Members to feel confident, informed, and supported.

How You Can Get Involved

Attend our Tea and Tips event – RSVP by Friday 22 August or by calling us on 1300 688 825.

Stop. Check. Protect. – use this simple message to stay scam-aware

Share your story – talking about scams helps others avoid them.

We’re proud to be part of this national campaign and invite all Members to join us in protecting our community.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025 by Empowering the Next Generation

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:15:42 Z

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.

Closure of our Edgeworth Branch

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 01:26:36 Z

After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our Edgeworth Branch (including the ATM) on 30 September 2025, which will be the last day of trading.

This decision was not made lightly given that we remain firmly committed to providing a physical branch network for our Members.

Why is the branch closing?

The Mutual Bank must ensure that our Members’ funds are used prudently and invested where the greatest value can be provided to our Members. Given the Edgeworth Branch has only seen 20 Members visit in the past six months, it is no longer viable to continue its operations. We intend to redeploy these funds into our physical branch network, including refurbishment of existing branches and assessing future locations for new branches and also continuing the uplift of our digital and virtual capabilities.

What will happen to the current staff?

We are pleased to inform you that no staff will lose their jobs because of this closure. All staff members will be redeployed to our other branches within the network, ensuring that their expertise and dedication continue to benefit our Members.

What about the Members who used the Edgeworth Branch?

We are committed to keeping our Members informed throughout this transition. Members who frequently use the Edgeworth Branch have been contacted personally.

Members are welcome to visit our Mayfield Branch and can check our website for the locations of other branches. We are keen to maintain our physical presence and are actively looking into opening another branch in the Hunter Region to better serve our Members.

We understand that this closure may cause inconvenience to some Members, and we sincerely apologise for any disruption this may cause.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we strive to provide the best possible service to our Members.

What is the future of The Mutual Bank’s branch network?

As a customer-owned bank, branches are an important part of our service delivery and our strategic approach of providing Members with a choice of channels to do their banking.

We are actively looking for better positioned locations in the Hunter to best serve our Member base.

The Mutual Bank is investing in our branch network with a refurbishment plan and have just completed our East Maitland Branch renovations.