Prime Minister helps Bank reaffirm its commitment to South Australia

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has officially opened Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s new corporate office in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.

The Bank is one of Adelaide’s largest employers, with more than 1000 of its staff working from the 80 Grenfell Street office and a further 300 retail staff in its Bendigo Bank branches across the state.

Managing Director Mike Hirst said the launch of the Bank’s new home in Adelaide is a significant investment and an exciting step forward.

“This investment is bigger than a new building. It’s a symbol of our long-term relationship with the people of South Australia,” Mr Hirst said.

“We want them to know South Australia is one of our heartlands. It’s played an important role in determining who we are and will continue to play a part in influencing our future.

“We’ve been part of this state since 1877. We plan to stay and grow and we hope our new home serves as a constant reminder of our contribution to South Australia”.

Mr Hirst added the new building is also an investment in the Bank’s employees.

“We have more than 1300 staff in this state and it’s the time and effort our people put into the customers they serve and communities they work in which has helped us achieve great things together,” he said

The Bank has taken out a long-term lease on the 11-storey office tower, which was developed by Pacific Group and EPC Partners as part of the $300 million Rundle Place development.

Chairman Robert Johanson said the Bank continues to be focussed on creating sustainable success for our customers and communities. And these themes influenced the design and build of the new office.

“Our new Adelaide home has a five-star Green Star design. The building maximises natural light and has incorporated a range of initiatives to reduce energy consumption,” Mr Johanson said.

“We’ve used natural materials and sourced local products for the fit-out wherever possible, ensuring local industries and businesses are supported.

“The design was completed by Adelaide-based architect group Hassell and the construction has already employed more than 3000 South Australians and injected millions into the local economy.

“It will continue to generate employment opportunities, with a significant contingent of staff now accommodated in one central location in Adelaide,” he said.

Mr Hirst thanked the Bank’s staff, customers, shareholders, partners and supporters, and encouraged those not yet banking with the local option to reconsider their choice.

“We’ve been investing in the community and creating a stronger South Australia for more than a century.

“We will continue to do this, but we’d like to do more. This will be possible if more South Australians join those already banking with us,” said Mr Hirst.

“People have come to expect banks to focus on their own success, but we look to create success for all involved in our business.

“We give our customers everything they expect from a big bank, but also many things they thought they could never have. That makes us bigger than a bank,” he said.

“Since 1998, our Bendigo Bank Community Bank^® network has returned more than $100 million to support communities right across Australia, with more than $7 million in grants given out in South Australia.

“We sponsor iconic South Australian organisations and events like Adelaide Festival, Helpmann Academy, Power to End Hunger campaign and many other grass-roots initiatives.

“We support Brand South Australia and our staff give in-kind assistance to countless community causes,” added Mr Hirst.

“I’m asking all South Australians to consider joining us to help support and grow this great state.”

About our new Adelaide home:

• 11 storeys high
• 22,000 square metres
• Five-star Green Star design
• Features natural and locally sourced building materials (wherever possible)
• Two central atria to maximise natural light and reduce energy consumption
• Large indoor and outdoor terrace providing space for staff to re-energise
• Internal staircases to encourage connectivity and activity
• Activity Based Working style, that doesn’t restrict staff interaction
• Variety of work settings (not just desks) to encourage collaboration and innovation
• Employee mobility supported by technology

For more information on 80 Grenfell Street please visit our website www.bendigoadelaide.com.au.

About Bendigo and Adelaide Bank:

• Established in 1858
• Profitable for 155 consecutive years
• 90,000 shareholders
• $4.5 billion share market value
• Top 60 company on the Australian Stock Exchange
• $60 billion total assets
• 1.5 million customers
• 6,500 staff
• 1,900 ATMs
• 600 Bendigo Bank branches and customer service outlets
• Brands operated by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank include:
  Bendigo Bank, Bendigo Wealth, Adelaide Bank, Sandhurst Trustees, Leveraged Equities, Rural Bank, Delphi Bank, Community Sector Banking and Homesafe Solutions.

For more information about our Bank please visit our website www.bendigoadelaide.com.au.