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The Mutual Bank officially opened the doors to its new Cessnock branch this week, with local businesses, community organisations, Customers and civic leaders coming together to celebrate the bank's arrival in the community.   Held at the bank's new branch at 93 Vincent Street, the opening event marked the beginning of a new chapter for The Mutual Bank in Cessnock, one built on local relationships, community partnerships and a shared commitment to helping the region thrive.   Guests included Cessnock Mayor Dan Watton, representatives from Hunter Region Business Hub, Carrie's Place and Cessnock Minor Rugby League, alongside local businesses, Customers and community members who gathered to celebrate the occasion.     L-R: Shane Meister, Vice Chair of the Board, Alena Pople, General Manager – The Business Hub, Rebekah Sadlier, Engagement and Communications Manager - Carrie's Place, Stacey Wakeman, Cessnock Branch Manager - The Mutual Bank, Dan Watton, Cessnock City Mayor, Mark Williams, CEO - The Mutual Bank, Dan Ebert, President - Cessnock Goannas and representatives from Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club   The event also recognised the partnerships The Mutual Bank has established in Cessnock ahead of opening, reflecting its commitment to becoming part of the community long before the ribbon was cut.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said the strong turnout reflected the welcoming spirit of the Cessnock community.  "While today was officially about opening a branch, what we're really opening is a door to new conversations, new connections and new opportunities to support the people of Cessnock," Mr Williams said.   "We have been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we've received from local organisations, businesses and community members. The turnout at today's event reinforced why we were so excited to become part of this community."   The new branch will be led by Stacey Wakeman and supported by local team members Rebeca Wynter, Aishnn Iuliano and Cherise Welstead, who will help deliver the personal service The Mutual Bank is known for across the Hunter Region.     The Mutual Bank Cessnock Branch Manager Stacey Wakeman (centre) with Newcastle Knights NRLW players Olivia Higgins (L), Yasmin Meakes (R) and representatives from the Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club.   The Mutual Bank has also begun working closely with community organisations including Carrie's Place, Cessnock Minor Rugby League and Hunter Region Business Hub, partnerships that will continue to grow as the bank establishes its presence in the area.   "Becoming part of a community doesn't happen in a single morning," Mr Williams said.  "It's something that is earned over time through relationships, listening and showing up. We're proud to have opened our doors, but we're even more excited about what comes next."  For The Mutual Bank, the opening represents another step in its long history of supporting Hunter communities through local service, community investment and genuine connection. 

The Mutual Bank, proudly serving the Hunter Region since 1888, will celebrate the official opening of its new Cessnock branch at 93 Vincent St on Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 10am, marking another milestone in its long-standing commitment to helping regional communities thrive.   At a time when many regional bank branches have closed, The Mutual Bank continues to believe in being present, accessible and connected in the communities it calls home. For more than 138 years, the bank has grown alongside Hunter families, local businesses and community organisations, with branches that offer more than banking services. They provide a familiar place for conversations, guidance and support, and a trusted local team customers can turn to when they need it most.   As a customer-owned bank, The Mutual Bank’s commitment to regional communities is grounded in relationships, not transactions. Opening in Cessnock is about meeting the needs of a growing area, supporting regional confidence and ensuring customers continue to have access to local people who understand local opportunities, challenges and aspirations.    As the gateway to the Hunter Valley, Cessnock is a thriving hub for local businesses, tourism and emerging residential communities. Establishing a branch in Cessnock strengthens The Mutual Bank’s ability to support Customers and businesses across the region, while deepening its presence in an area with strong long-term potential.   That momentum makes Cessnock a natural place for The Mutual Bank to invest in local banking access. Like Maitland, the area is welcoming new residents, families and businesses, with developments such as Huntlee Estate helping shape vibrant communities and increase the need for trusted local services.   The new branch will provide a modern and functional environment for Customers, while creating another local base for the bank’s team to build relationships, support businesses and serve the community.    “Regional communities deserve access to banking services that are personal, local and built around their needs. Cessnock is growing, and we want to grow with it. We have already begun building relationships with local organisations that understand this community deeply, and we are proud to stand alongside Customers, businesses and community groups as they help shape Cessnock’s future,” The Mutual Bank CEO Mark Williams said.    The Mutual Bank has already begun building strong community connections in Cessnock, establishing community partnerships with Carrie’s Place, Cessnock Minor Rugby League and Hunter Region Business Hub in the lead-up to its official opening. Representatives from each organisation will attend the event, reflecting the bank’s intent to be part of the community from the beginning and to build relationships well before the ribbon is cut.   Hunter Region Business Hub Acting Chair Shane Meister welcomed the partnership and the bank’s investment in Cessnock. “This partnership brings together two trusted, community-focused organisations with a shared vision for a thriving and connected Hunter, helping local businesses build capability, make valuable connections and grow with confidence,” Mr Meister said.   The official opening will bring together Customers, community partners, local businesses and The Mutual Bank team to mark the bank’s arrival in Cessnock, one grounded in local presence, genuine connection and a long-term commitment to helping the region continue to thrive.  

A great banking product may attract attention, but great service earns trust.  That combination has seen The Mutual Bank recognised on the national stage once again, taking out Term Deposit Account of the Year (Customer-Owned Bank) at the 2026 WeMoney Awards while also earning finalist recognition across five additional categories, including two awards for customer service excellence.  The win marks the second consecutive year The Mutual Bank has received the prestigious term deposit award, reinforcing its position as a leader in delivering value for Members through its customer-owned model.  The award recognises The Mutual Bank's ability to deliver strong value for Australian savers through competitive rates, flexible term options and the confidence of banking with a customer-owned institution. At a time when many Australians are looking for secure ways to grow their savings, the award reinforces The Mutual Bank's commitment to helping Members make their money work harder.  The Mutual Bank was also named a finalist in:  Best for Flexibility (Term Deposits)  Best Low Rate Credit Card (Customer-Owned Bank)  Excellent Rates & Fees (Customer-Owned Bank)  Outstanding Customer Service (Credit Cards)  Outstanding Customer Service (Savings Accounts)  The customer service finalist nominations are particularly significant for The Mutual Bank, recognising excellence across both Savings Accounts and Credit Cards. The recognition reflects the bank's ongoing investment in personalised service, local expertise and meaningful Member relationships.  The Mutual Bank CEO Mark Williams said the results demonstrate the bank's commitment to delivering both competitive products and exceptional member experiences.  "We're incredibly proud to receive this recognition from WeMoney, particularly at a time when Australians are looking not only for competitive products, but a banking experience they can trust.  "While winning Term Deposit Account of the Year for a second consecutive year is a fantastic achievement, being named a finalist in two Outstanding Customer Service categories is equally meaningful.  "We're particularly pleased to receive this recognition while many Australians are focused on building their savings and financial security. This award reinforces that our term deposit offering continues to provide outstanding value for Members.  "As a customer-owned bank, service isn't something we see as a department. It's part of every interaction, every conversation and every decision we make for our Members. These recognitions reflect the dedication of our people and their commitment to helping people thrive."  Matthew Ikin, Executive General Manager at WeMoney, said The Mutual Bank's continued success demonstrates its leadership within the customer-owned banking sector.  "These back-to-back wins cement The Mutual's position as a true market leader."  WeMoney now reaches more than 1.4 million Australians, with 93% of its audience made up of Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The awards help consumers identify financial institutions delivering exceptional value and service, while providing winners such as The Mutual Bank with valuable credibility among younger Australians choosing who they bank with.  Since 1888, The Mutual Bank has been helping people thrive through competitive products, personalised service and meaningful community support. This latest recognition reflects the strength of a banking model built around people, not shareholders.  Awards and ratings are one factor consumers may consider when choosing a financial product and should not be relied on as the sole basis for a decision.

Buying a home is more than signing a contract or applying for a loan. It is a journey filled with decisions, new terminology and moments that can shape the next chapter of your life.  For some people, it is a journey they are taking for the first time. For others, it may have been many years since they last purchased a property, and the process can feel unfamiliar all over again.  Wherever you are starting from, having the right information and knowing who can help can make the path ahead feel much clearer.  That is why The Mutual Bank is hosting Make it Yours: Understanding the Home Buying Journey, a free information evening at the Hunter River Hotel on Wednesday 16 September 2026.   Practical information from local professionals  The evening will bring together members of The Mutual Bank’s local Lending Team, local conveyancers and local real estate agents to explain the different stages involved in purchasing a home.  Attendees will receive practical information about preparing to apply for a home loan, understanding borrowing power and pre-approval, looking for the right property, working with a real estate agent, reviewing contracts, engaging a conveyancer and preparing for settlement.  The session is designed to help take some of the mystery out of the process. It will also give attendees an opportunity to hear different perspectives from the professionals who help buyers move from an initial idea to the moment the keys are finally in their hands.   Who should attend?  The event is open to anyone who would like a clearer understanding of the home buying process.  It may be helpful if you are:  Considering buying a home but are unsure where to begin  Saving for a deposit and planning for the future  Preparing to speak with a lender  Returning to the property market after some time  Supporting a child, family member or friend through the process  Looking for a clearer picture of what happens between pre-approval and settlement  You do not need to arrive with detailed knowledge, a completed savings plan or a property already in mind. The purpose of the evening is to help you understand the journey and feel more confident about the questions to ask along the way.   Event details  Event: Make it Yours: Understanding the Home Buying Journey Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026 Venue: Hunter River Hotel Doors open: 5.30pm Light dinner and welcome drink: Provided Speaker program: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Cost: Free, bookings essential  Places are limited.    Book your free ticket:  Make it Yours: Understanding the Home Buying Journey  A home can begin as an idea, a goal or a hope for the future. Wherever your journey begins, good information can help you take the next step with greater clarity and confidence.    The information provided at this event is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Please review our Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determinations, Terms and Conditions, Financial Services Guide, and Credit Guide before deciding to acquire a product.  Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, fees and charges apply to all loans.

Scammers can sound convincing. They may pretend to be from a bank, fraud team or trusted organisation, and often use pressure and urgency to encourage people to act before they have time to think.  One simple way to help protect yourself is to use strong, unique passwords for your banking and online accounts. Avoid using personal information that someone else could guess, find online or connect back to you, such as your date of birth, name, address, phone number, children’s names, pet names or favourite sporting team.  Using something familiar may feel easier to remember, but it can also make it easier for scammers to try to access your account. Strong passwords and passphrases add another layer of protection, especially as impersonation scams become more sophisticated. During Scams Awareness Week, we’re continuing the conversation through our Tea and Tips: Staying Safe from Scams event, sharing practical ways to help Members and the wider community stay safer online.    How to create a safer password  Use a long password or passphrase that is hard to guess.  Avoid personal details, including your date of birth, name, address or phone number.  Do not reuse your banking password for other accounts.  Keep your password private and never share it with anyone.  Change your password straight away if you think someone else may know it.      Does something not feel right? The Mutual Bank will never ask you to:  move your money to another account  share your one-time passcodes  share your passwords or security codes  act urgently over the phone or by text  If you receive a call or message that does not feel right, stop, hang up and contact us using the phone number listed on our website.  If you believe you have shared your password or security details with someone else, contact us immediately so we can help you take the next steps.    We’re here to help  When something feels wrong, it is always worth pausing and asking for help. If you’re concerned about your account or believe you may have shared personal or banking information, please contact The Mutual Bank so we can help you take the next step. 

The Mutual Bank appoints Melanie Howard as Chief Risk Officer  The Mutual Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Howard as Chief Risk Officer (CRO).  Melanie has served as Acting Chief Risk Officer since November 2025, providing strong leadership during a period of significant activity and regulatory focus for the Bank. Her appointment reflects the confidence of the Board and Executive Leadership Team in her ability to continue leading the Risk and Compliance functions while strengthening the Bank's risk management framework.   Melanie brings extensive experience in the customer-owned banking sector, combined with strong professional credentials and a practical understanding of prudential regulation, risk management and compliance. Throughout her career with The Mutual Bank, she has demonstrated sound judgement, professionalism and a collaborative leadership style.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said Melanie's appointment provides valuable continuity for the organisation.  "Melanie has demonstrated exceptional leadership during her time as Acting Chief Risk Officer,” he said.  “Her deep knowledge of the Bank, commitment to our customer-owned values and ability to foster strong relationships across the organisation make her an outstanding appointment to this role."  Throughout her time with The Mutual Bank, Melanie has played an important role in supporting the Bank's strategic, prudential and operational risk priorities, while building collaborative, high-performing teams and maintaining a strong focus on regulatory obligations.   Her appointment will help ensure continued momentum across the Bank's risk and compliance functions while supporting The Mutual Bank's ongoing commitment to protecting Customers and maintaining a strong, sustainable future.  Please join us in congratulating Melanie on her appointment as Chief Risk Officer.