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Community welcomes The Mutual Bank to Cessnock

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. 

Trust is built here: Privacy Awareness Week 2026

Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) is a national initiative that promotes awareness of privacy rights and responsibilities and the importance of protecting personal information.   This year, PAW runs from 4-10 May 2026, with the theme “Trust is built here. In every privacy complaint. In every resolution.”   At The Mutual Bank, trust is at the heart of everything we do. Protecting your personal information, and responding respectfully if you ever have a concern, is an important part of how we earn and keep that trust.  This year’s theme focuses on building public confidence through strong privacy practices, including how organisations respond to privacy concerns and complaints. In other words: trust isn’t just about what we say, it’s built through what we do, especially when something goes wrong and needs to be put right.   How we protect your information  Our Privacy Notice explains how we collect and use personal information, who we may share it with, how you can access and correct your information, and how you can raise concerns about our privacy practices.   We also take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, disclosure or modification. We review our privacy practices regularly to ensure they remain appropriate.  You can view our Privacy Policy here: Privacy Policy.   A few practical tips to help protect your privacy  Be cautious about sharing personal information online or over the phone.  Use strong, unique passwords and enable extra security steps where available.  Watch out for unexpected messages asking you to “confirm” details or click a link.  Keep your devices updated and lock your screen when you’re not using it.   Have a question or concern about privacy?  If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, you can contact our Privacy Officer:   Phone: 1300 688 825   Email: info@themutual.com.au   Address: PO Box 2487, Green Hills, NSW, 2320.    Want to learn more about PAW 2026?  Learn more about the national campaign and the 2026 theme on the OAIC website: Privacy Awareness Week 2026 

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.  

A Moment for Reflection and Kindness

Today, 22 January 2026, Australia observes a National Day of Mourning to honour the lives lost and all those affected by the recent tragedy at Bondi. The national theme, “Light will win – a gathering of unity and remembrance,” encourages communities across the country to pause, reflect, and come together with empathy.  This day invites us to acknowledge the impact such events can have on individuals and communities. Simple actions, listening, checking in on someone, lighting a candle, or observing a moment of silence, can help create a sense of connection and support.  At The Mutual Bank, our purpose is grounded in people. We believe communities grow stronger when we lead with empathy, support one another, and choose kindness in small, meaningful ways.  In the spirit of this important day, The Mutual Bank will undertake an act of kindness to support our community, by making a donation to Lifeline Hunter to assist their ongoing work in providing vital crisis support across our region.  If you’re feeling the emotional weight of recent events, consider reaching out to a trusted person or a support service. Lifeline Hunter (13 11 14) offers confidential assistance to anyone who needs to talk.  A nationwide minute of silence will be observed at 7:01pm AEDT, and Australians are invited to participate in whatever way feels meaningful, through quiet reflection, acts of kindness, or displaying a candle in remembrance.  As a community minded organisation, The Mutual Bank remains committed to compassion, respect, and unity – today and every day. 

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Festive season trading hours

Over the festive season our Branches and Contact Centre will be closed on the following days:    Christmas Day: Thursday 25 December 2025  Boxing Day: Friday 26 December 2025  Saturday 27 December 2025  New Years Day: Thursday 1 January 2026   Regular hour will apply on all other days   Scheduled Payments:   Scheduled payments for 25 – 27 December 2025, will be processed in advance on Wednesday 24 December.   Scheduled payment for Thursday 1 January 2026, will be processed in advance on Wednesday 31 December 2025.    We thank you for your understanding and wish you a happy and safe festive season.   

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