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The Mutual Bank named Business of the Year at Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards

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.

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

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.     

Community

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

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 

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Backing Future Surfing Stars

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.     

Presenting Maitland Riverlights

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

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.

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