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Experience a Piece of Regional History at Warbirds Over Scone | Proudly Supported by The Mutual Bank

The Mutual Bank is honoured to once again support Warbirds Over Scone, returning in March 2026 as one of the Hunter region’s most iconic and historically significant events. More than an airshow, Warbirds Over Scone stands as a powerful celebration of aviation heritage and the stories that have shaped our region’s identity.  Hosted at Scone Airport 28 – 29 March, and set against the backdrop of the Hunter Valley, this two-day festival brings history to life with one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most remarkable collections of vintage and wartime aircraft. Highlights for 2026 include: Australia’s largest gathering of Supermarine Spitfires since WWII  A spectacular assembly of Mustangs, Kittyhawks, classic trainers and heritage favourites  The world’s only flying F4U1D Corsair  Australia’s only airworthy Vampire and the legendary Sea Fury “Southern Cross”  Aerobatic displays from Paul Bennet Airshows  Dozens of aircraft on static display, including rare heritage jets and meticulously restored warbirds  Visitors can also explore the Hunter Warbirds museum, enjoy adventure and helicopter flights, browse market stalls, view classic cars and take in a festival atmosphere that blends history, community and family fun.    Preserving Heritage. Supporting Community. Strengthening the Region.  As a customer owned bank, The Mutual Bank exists to support the people and places that make the Hunter region unique. Our partnership with Warbirds Over Scone reflects our shared commitment to celebrating local heritage and preserving the stories that define our community owned bank, The Mutual Bank exists to support the people and places that make the Hunter region unique. Our partnership with Warbirds Over Scone reflects our shared commitment to celebrating local heritage and preserving the stories that define our community.  For more than 135 years, we’ve reinvested our profits into what matters most:  Award winning home and personal lending winning home and personal lending  Personalised, community focused service focused service  Partnerships and events that honour and strengthen our region’s character  Warbirds Over Scone captures the rich aviation history and enduring spirit of the Upper Hunter – a spirit The Mutual Bank has proudly supported since 1888.     

Erin Howells Returns to Lead Internal Audit at The Mutual Bank

The Mutual Bank is pleased to welcome Erin Howells back to the organisation, returning to her role as Head of Internal Audit and rejoining the Executive team. Erin joined The Mutual Bank in May 2023 and was appointed to the Executive team in September 2023. Following a brief period away from the organisation, she has now returned to continue supporting strong governance and assurance outcomes for our members. Erin brings more than 18 years’ experience in the financial services sector, with a strong background in customer-owned banking organisations. Her deep understanding of the mutual banking environment, combined with her leadership expertise, positions her to make a significant contribution to the continued strength and effectiveness of The Mutual Bank’s internal audit function. In this role, Erin will help strengthen governance, risk management and assurance practices across the organisation, supporting the ongoing effectiveness of our internal control environment. We look forward to the expertise and leadership Erin will bring as we continue to serve our members and communities.

Home and Property

Get Rewarded with a $200 eGift Card When You Insure with CGU

Looking to protect your home, car, or investment property? Now’s the perfect time. From 3 March to 28 April, The Mutual Bank is offering a $200 eGift card for every new eligible CGU insurance policy taken out. Whether it’s Building, Contents, Landlords, or Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance, you’ll be rewarded for helping secure your peace of mind. How it works Take out a new eligible CGU policy through The Mutual Bank. Ensure your policy starts during the offer period and is paid in full or first instalment. Receive your $200 eGift card via email or SMS within 8 weeks of the campaign end. Ready to insure and be rewarded? Visit CGU Insurance campaign, call into a branch or call us on 1300 688 825. Promotion valid from 3 March until 28 April 2026. The eGift Card will be provided per eligible policy, not per person. Terms and conditions apply.  The Mutual Bank ABN 94 087 651 983, AFSL 238139 acts under its own AFSL and under an agreement with the issuer Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722, AFSL 227681 under the CGU brand. Any advice provided is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (your personal circumstances). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant the PDS and TMD from the CGU website https://www.cgu.com.au/partner/policy-booklets.  

Community

Breaking Silence, Building Hope: The Mutual Bank Joins Forces with Lotus Asocsa to Empower Survivors

The Mutual Bank has announced a sponsorship of Lotus Asocsa, a local charity dedicated to empowering female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse through healing, connection, advocacy, and recovery. The bank’s generous donation of $3,000 will fund essential resources such as stationery, journals, and equipment to help run Lotus Asocsa’s free eight-week support groups.  Founded by Jillian Rae after her own search for support revealed a gap in services – particularly in the Hunter New England area, Lotus Asocsa provides a safe, trauma-informed environment where women can connect, share, and deepen their healing journey. The organisation works collaboratively with survivors and their families, offering emotional support and practical assistance across health, legal, housing, and financial systems.  Jillian Rae, President of Lotus Asocsa, said:  “This support from The Mutual Bank means so much to us and the women we serve. Every dollar helps create a safe space where survivors can feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we are breaking the silence and building hope.”  The eight-week program starts on 31 March 2026, and new referrals and applicants are welcome. As a newly established organisation, Lotus Asocsa is committed to expanding its services across the Hunter New England region and, with future growth and funding, aims to increase the number of weekly sessions to better meet community need.  Felicity Laczina, Chief Operations Officer, The Mutual Bank, added:  “We are proud to stand alongside Lotus Asocsa in their mission to support survivors. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe in backing initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.”  Women interested in joining future support groups or learning more about Lotus Asocsa can visit www.lotusasocsa.org.au or email la@lotusasocsa.org.au.  www.lotusasocsa.org.au 

News

Backing Future Surfing Stars

The Surfest High School Teams Challenge draws enthusiastic teams from across NSW, with growing female participation highlighting The Mutual Bank’s commitment to inclusivity and youth development.    For the fourth consecutive year, The Mutual Bank proudly sponsors this cornerstone event, reinforcing its dedication to community, grassroots sport, and the development of future champions.    This year’s challenge will be held at South Bar Beach on 19 and 20 February during Newcastle Surfest’s 40th anniversary celebrations, as part of six community events leading up to the World Surf League Challenger Series from March 9 -15, 2026. Open exclusively to NSW high schools, the competition features boys’ and girls’, divisions, with teams of up to five surfers showcasing their skills and teamwork.  Event Director Warren Smith said:    “The continued growth of this event wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of The Mutual Bank. Last year we saw more schools than ever take part, including 20 women’s teams – the highest number in the event’s history. Newcastle Surfest is proud to present The Mutual Bank High School Teams Challenge as part of our 40-year celebrations.”    The Mutual Bank’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting local sporting stars while championing inclusivity and the rise of women in sport. Beyond surfing, the bank also backs youth female teams in netball, touch football, and Premier League football, reinforcing its goal of creating opportunities for young women to thrive.    Matthew Dunnill, Chief Member Officer at The Mutual Bank, said:    “The Mutual Bank High School Teams Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for young surfers to gain invaluable experience and demonstrate their talent. We are proud to support an event that aligns with our commitment to helping people thrive and fostering strong community connections.”    With no entry fee and prizes for finalists, the challenge offers an accessible and exciting platform for young athletes to shine. Surfest’s 40th anniversary reinforces its status as the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest surfing festival, where local talent meets international excellence.      Many competitors in the High School Teams Challenge progress to Surfest’s Junior Championship divisions and even the World Surf League, making this event a proven pathway for emerging talent. By supporting this grassroots opportunity, The Mutual Bank helps nurture the next generation of surfing champions while promoting inclusivity and community engagement.     

Managing Money

Interest Rate Updates Following RBA Decision

The Mutual Bank will make changes to a range of deposit and lending interest rates following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision on 3 February 2026 to increase the official cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85%.  Chief Member Officer, Matthew Dunnill, said The Mutual Bank continues to carefully balance the needs of both depositor and borrower Members.  “The Mutual Bank’s interest rates remain under regular review, to ensure we remain both competitive and sustainable,” Matthew said.  “We seek to balance the needs of both our depositor Members and borrower Members, by delivering consistently competitive rates across our range of products.”    Recent Term Deposit Increases  In anticipation of the RBA decision, The Mutual Bank recently increased several Term Deposit interest rates:  Four-month Term Deposit: now 4.3% p.a.  Twelve-month Term Deposit: now 4.25% p.a.    Savings Account Updates  Some Savings Account interest rates will increase by 0.25%, effective 1 March 2026.    Home Loan and Business Lending Changes  For existing borrowers:  Variable Home Loan interest rates — including Owner Occupied, Investment, Business, and Commercial loans — will increase by 0.25% p.a. from 23 February 2026. Members will receive written notification outlining their new repayments.  Fixed Loan interest rates will increase:   Owner Occupied: +0.2%  Investment & Business Loans: +0.25% Effective 6 February 2026.    Support for Members Experiencing Financial Pressure  Matthew encouraged any Member feeling the impact of rising living costs to reach out early.  “Please reach out to your Lending Manager, visit a branch or phone our Hunter-based Contact Centre Team on 1300 688 825. Based on your circumstances, our team can assess your eligibility for a range of support options such as loan deferrals, interest-only periods, or other appropriate relief.”  Members can view the full list of The Mutual Bank’s current interest rates here.    About The Mutual Bank  The Mutual Bank is a customer-owned bank headquartered in East Maitland and has been helping people thrive since 1888. Our Budget Home Loan has proudly won the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Award in the Low-Cost Home Loan category for three consecutive years, as well as multiple WeMoney Awards, including Customer Owned Bank Lender of the Year for 2025.   

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