Credit unions and building societies win industry awards
10 November 2009
Today credit unions and mutual building societies were recognised for helping plant 20,000 trees on Hindmarsh Island in a revegetation project; putting people first in outstanding community banking initiatives; offering consumers innovative products and providing culturally-appropriate banking services for Indigenous Australians in remote communities.
The 2009 Abacus Industry Award winners were announced in an awards ceremony at the Abacus 09 Convention in Queensland. These prestigious awards are the premier industry awards for the mutual financial services industry: credit unions, mutual building societies and friendly societies.
Winning the 2009 Innovation Award was Queensland Teachers’ Credit Union, for their Smarter Starter Home Loan Package, which was launched via its ‘Grant09’ marketing campaign to provide features and benefits to assist first home buyers, in a tongue-in-cheek reference to the ‘Kevin07’ slogan from the 2007 federal election.
Heritage Building Society and Traditional Credit Union were joint winners in the 2009 Community Award. Heritage Building Society won for its overall approach to community banking. Heritage’s nomination was supported by a number of programs – like its Alliance program - which underscores Heritage’s focus on the communities it serves, and its commitment to people first.
Traditional Credit Union was the co-winner in the 2009 Community Award, winning for its commitment to provide culturally-appropriate banking services for Indigenous Australians in remote communities and for providing Indigenous Territorians with a culturally-appropriate and supportive working environment.
Savings & Loans Credit Union won the 2009 Sustainability Award for the Tarr’s and Wyndgate revegetation project, which saw them partner with Conservation Volunteers Australia and Landcare groups to revegetate a section Hindmarsh Island, part of South Australia’s world-famous Lower Lakes region. This program has seen 20, 000 trees planted on Hindmarsh Island and over 700 hours of volunteering by Savings & Loans’ volunteers.
The Bridges Emerging Leader Award was won by Companion Credit Union Marketing Manager Cas Scott.
Abacus CEO Louise Petschler congratulated the winners, saying that these awards show the breadth and depth of innovation, community engagement and corporate responsibility that underpins the mutual sector.
“Mutual financial services providers like credit unions and building societies exist for their members and their communities – they’re part of the fabric of their communities and they have a long history of giving back to their communities.
“Congratulations to the winning recipients – they have achieved outstanding results in each category.
“I would encourage anyone looking for a better banking deal with outstanding customer service, competitive rates, innovative products, as well as a commitment to supporting their communities; to make the switch to a credit union or mutual building society today,” said Ms Petschler.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Eldridge
Senior Adviser – Media
02 8299 9024, 0423 843 790
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