Community bank offers big bank products, country town relationships, personalised service and support

There are many reasons to bank with a local bank, including more personalized service, faster and more flexible local decision-making, and often better rates due to lower overheads.

“We are always looking for ways to add value for our customers,” Community Bank Woombye Branch Manager, Ms Saunders explained.

“We want to know our customers' plans, goals and dreams for their financial future. This is the starting point from which we can review their current position and financial products to make sure they are getting the best deal, and that their money is working hard for them.

“At the moment, with rising interest rates and cost of living, an important way we can assist our customers is to do a comprehensive home loan review,” she said.

“Supporting our customers to secure a better product is enormously rewarding. When households are already feeling the financial pinch, this can make a huge difference to their lives.

“We have all the same products as the big banks, with more personalised service, and when people bank with us the whole community benefits,” Ms Saunders said.

“And we really enjoy supporting local business owners with small business loans, because our staff have a very deep understanding of the local economic landscape. This is something that the larger institutions just can’t match.”

Strong relationships with customers mean that customers of community banks report less of a “number” feel that tends to be associated with larger financial institutions.

At the same time the community bank invests in the local economy, aiding community growth and supporting small businesses.

For 17 years, the Community Bank Woombye & Districts has been an important service provider and supporter of the local community.

The Community Bank Woombye was founded when a group of local residents partnered with Bendigo Bank to create a convenient option for the people of Woombye to do their banking.

“Many people are not aware that our branch is owned by local shareholders, and most of our profits are channelled back into the community,” she said.

“Over the past 15 years, our board of volunteer directors have seeded over $350,000 back into the local community. Beneficiaries include the Woombye Library, the Woombye State School and P&C, the Sunshine Valley Men’s Shed, the Woombye Bowls Club, the Woombye Festival, Parent to Parent and many others.

“Alongside Grants and Sponsorships, the bank also offers scholarships to encourage local students to continue their education. We believe this is an extremely important investment in our young people, and by extension, the broader community.”

Changing banks can be a challenge, but the team at the Community Bank Woombye can help you every step of the way, and you can start to enjoy the benefits of dealing with a team of local experts, who are dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals.

• The Community Bank Woombye & Districts is at 1a/33 Blackall Street, Woombye and you can call them on 5442 1311.

Woombye Community Branch Manager, Hayley Saunders “We have all the same products as the big banks, with more personalised service, and when people bank with us the whole community benefits.”