Our Staff

Background:
Following my successful completion of Year 12 studies in Bendigo, I began a Business Administration course at RMIT in the Melbourne CBD. I completed the first semester requirements and decided that I was not quite cut out for city life. I deferred my studies and headed home to Bendigo, still with aspirations of a career in Business.

Upon my return to Bendigo I worked in manual employment as a builder’s labourer and odd jobs for an automotive mechanic. After several months of early mornings, manual labour and dirty hands I decided it was time to try and find my business career. During the next few months I constantly contacted various people and departments within Bendigo Bank and eventually my persistence paid off, I was interviewed for an entry level position within the Bank.

Why did I join Bendigo Bank:
For me, the attraction to Bendigo Bank was the opportunity to create a career path for myself within an organisation that has many different areas of expertise. I believed (and still do) that Bendigo Bank is a growing organisation with a great reputation for providing a professional and enjoyable working environment.

What makes Bendigo Bank a great place to work:
After working with Bendigo Bank for over 10 years it has become my second home with many of my working colleagues and clients becoming good friends. Like anything there are always ups and downs in the working world but coming to Bendigo Bank each day is generally an enjoyable challenge.

Bendigo Bank is an organisation which reward’s hard working staff from any background who foster the community and customer values that we are renowned for. Whether you are the most credentialed employee or beginning at an entry-level position everyone is granted an equal amount of respect and advancement opportunities.

I enjoy being involved in an organisation with a culture that feels like a “family business” while having corporate practices which allow us to be highly competitive and recognisable on a national stage.

Most challenging part of your role:
In my role within the commercial property finance team I am primarily responsible for developing our existing client base while creating new relationships with potential clients and referral partners. In a highly competitive market the use of sales and marketing skills to develop lending opportunities is an ongoing challenge.

The process of negotiating finance arrangements with clients can also be a major challenge. A combination of negotiation and people skills, while having appropriate knowledge of lending requirements is essential when trying to protect the Bank’s interest and maintain a positive and mutually rewarding relationship with the client.

Career Aspirations:
I would like to continue to develop the property finance department and create further opportunities for growth of both clients and staff in the future. I also see many other exciting opportunities for management roles within the fast growing retail network of the bank, which may suit me in years to come.

Outside interests:
The encouragement for a work/life balance is a major factor that creates loyalty within Bendigo Bank. I have always been a keen sports person, I have played football for many years, been a frustrated golf nut for almost as many years and I have tried most sports (mostly unsuccessfully) that there are.

In the last few years I have become involved at committee level of my local football club and have participated in several career and youth development initiatives arranged both by the Bendigo Bank and the Bendigo community.

I also still like to get my hands dirty occasionally, renovating and gardening around the house from time to time.

Background:
Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce, University of WA
• Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies), Curtin University
• Senior Associate, Aust. NZ. Institute Insurance and Finance
• Diploma of Insurance Administration

• 1982 - 1999 AMP General Insurance - Various General Insurance underwriting, sales, claims, management roles
• 1999-2001 American International Group - Southern Region Manager, Accident & Health
• 2001 - 2005 National Australia Bank - National Sales Manager Protection Solutions

Why did I join Bendigo Bank:
I joined Bendigo Bank principally because of the opportunity to continue to work in a similar role doing something I enjoy and passionately believe in. Secondly, the reputation that Bendigo Bank has for being customer and community focused was a big attraction for me as I have felt this was missing in past employers. Rhetoric was seldom ever matched by actions. Even in a short time at Bendigo Bank I have seen that there is a genuine customer commitment.

Lastly, the chance to work in a senior financial services role in a large nationally spread business, and yet live in regional Victoria and enjoy all of the lifestyle and affordability benefits of Bendigo, was the clincher for me.

What makes Bendigo Bank a great place to work:
I haven’t come across anyone who is ego driven simply for their own benefit - there is a genuine sense of shared commitment to wanting this business to succeed. I love the fact that customers and community really are the focus - it gives us a chance to differentiate from other financial institutions.

Most challenging part of your role:
The most challenging part of the role is working out the right Bendigo Bank language to use to convince our bankers of the reasons why they must discuss insurance protection with our customers. And how that conversation can be a comfortable customer needs focused discussion that both customer and banker agree is appropriate, necessary and timely. They do it for banking, now we must train bankers to be customer needs focused for all of the financial services we offer.

Career Aspirations:
My aspirations in working at Bendigo Bank are simply to make a solid contribution to the success of this business and as such, achieve my own personal goals.

Outside interests:
Keeping fit through cycling and gym
Community service through Rotary
Antiques, art, and wine in the company of friends

Background:
I worked for 16 years with a major bank in various locations within branches and head office administration. I started my career in banking as a batch clerk moving up to Branch Manager of several Sydney CBD branches. Also working in Area Offices conducting branch audits to organising Area functions. I left the organisation as a Business Development Manager of a Business Bank Centre in Sydney.

Why did I join Bendigo Bank:
Working in the Area Office for one of the majors I was involved in closing their last remaining branch in Ettalong Beach. So when the position with Bendigo Bank was advertised I wanted to be involved in re-establishing a banking service which had been absent for more than three years. Ettalong was suffering and local businesses were closing down and moving to surrounding suburbs. The return of a bank branch to Ettalong would see a much needed boost to the local economy and I knew I could provide the leadership required for the branch team to achieve this.

What makes Bendigo Bank a great place to work:
Bendigo provides an environment where people want to turn up to work. All of the staff have fun and this is reflected back to the customers. The customers know that we are providing not just good old-fashioned service, but that our branch is supporting the local community in lots of different ways.

Most challenging part of your role:
The biggest challenge is to inform our community about our company and ideals and of course, the role we play in the community. Bendigo Bank isn’t well known in NSW and people need to be educated, taking them out of their comfort zone is not an easy task but when they understand the commitment and difference we are making it is very rewarding.

Career Aspirations:
For me there are many different roles and opportunities in the Group to aspire to. As a national organisation I can continue my career in the branch network or other parts of the business.

Outside interests:
I am a very sporting person and enjoy all outdoor activities. I am a proud supporter and player of several of our local sporting groups

Background:
After finishing year 12 I worked in retail for about five years. I then traveled to the UK where I did temp work in London for six months. This was a fantastic life experience. When I returned I worked as a receptionist at a medical centre until I successfully obtained a position with Bendigo Bank as a Customer Service Officer.

Why did I join Bendigo Bank:
I had a few friends who worked for Bendigo Bank and they always said what a great place it was to work. I knew that I would enjoy the team and service aspects of the job but I was really excited by the fact that I would be able to kick-start my career within a national financial organisation.

What makes Bendigo Bank a great place to work:
It's fantastic because there is so much opportunity. There are so many different areas that you can work in! Working for a company that provides opportunities and challenges means that you never have the chance to get bored.

Most challenging part of your role:
The most challenging part would have to be learning the computer systems and gaining knowledge about all of the Bank’s products and services. The training courses I've done so far have been a big help though.

Career Aspirations:
After I've worked in the branch for a while I would like to try out other areas in the Bank and see which role I enjoy the most.

Outside interests:
Netball, football and shopping.

Background:
After completing year 12 I went to TAFE for a year where I studied building design and I worked in the hospitality industry. I realised that I wasn’t interested in either of these areas. They just didn’t feel right. I believed that I would do better starting my career than doing further study. So I was looking to join an organisation that could offer me the chance to learn and develop.

Why did I join Bendigo Bank:
Coming from Bendigo I was aware that Bendigo Bank had a strong service focus and that I would have the chance to be part of a growing national organisation. I decided to apply for a job in the mailroom and was successful. Working in the mailroom has allowed me to learn more about each of our business units and establish relationships with managers in these areas. This will help me to advance career. I also knew that as a national organisation Bendigo Bank could offer me exciting career opportunities across Australia. The opportunity to travel and learn as I develop my career is really exciting.

What makes Bendigo Bank a great place to work:
The bank is a great place to work because it offers training in all area's which means you can gain employment in any part of the bank that interests you. It’s up to you to decide where you want to go. The teamwork and friends I have made means that it’s fun to come to work. I really enjoy what I do.

Most challenging part of your role:
The most challenging part of my role is training new staff but having the responsibility to do this gives me great experience for future positions I may have.

Career Aspirations:
I would eventually like to become a part of the Community Bank team which is responsible for setting up new community run branches and other community initiatives which are designed to profit the relevant community.

Outside interests:
Outside of the Bank I participate in a lot of Sports and other social activities. The hours that we are required to work each day leaves me with nights and weekends free to do these.