New force in regional banking launches

09 August 2016

Last Friday night, Regional Australia Bank celebrated its official launch with a particular focus on all the things that make regional Australia special. The bank was formerly known as The Community Mutual Group.

The launch event was attended by more than 150 people, organisations and media groups including by the BCCM. In her comments, Melina Morrison, CEO, BCCM discussed the relevance of co-operatives to regional areas.  Ms Morrison said that the role of co-operatives and mutuals in the Australian economy is huge with 8 in 10 Australians being members of at least one mutual organisation.

Ms Morrison finished off by saying that Regional Australia Bank is the perfect capital partner for other co-operatives in regional communities.

Other speakers included Adam Marshall MP, NSW State Member for Northern Tablelands; Mark Degotardi, CEO, Customer Owned Banking Association and Regional Australia Bank CEO Kevin Dupé.

In addition to the evening’s entertainment, the bank took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to a number of community causes. With more than 5% of Regional Australia Bank’s profits given back to local communities in the form of sponsorships, donations, grass roots community initiatives and small infrastructure projects, the bank’s work with regional communities is all about supporting them to thrive.

Latest news

26 March 2026

Co-ops and Mutuals poised to build a more resilient economy for Tasmanians

The BCCM would welcome political support in Tasmania to help expand the sector’s impact across economic areas such as housing, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, small...
25 March 2026

Parliamentary Friends reception showcases the national importance of producer co‑operatives

The BCCM in partnership with CBH Group, hosted members, parliamentarians and industry leaders at Parliament House for the Parliamentary Friends of Co‑operatives and...
23 March 2026

NSW Treasurer joins co‑operative and mutual sector leaders for landmark policy roundtable

The BCCM convened a landmark policy roundtable with the Hon Daniel Mookhey MLC, NSW Treasurer, bringing together sector leaders from across New South Wales.