MEDIA RELEASE

15 October 2026

BankWAW Celebrates International Credit Union Day® and Champions the Future of Regional Banking

Today, BankWAW is joining millions of people around the world in celebrating International Credit Union Day®, recognising the vital role customer-owned banks and credit unions play in supporting communities, strengthening local economies and putting people before profit. International Credit Union Day® has been celebrated since 1948 and acknowledges the impact cooperative financial institutions have on the lives of their members and communities.

This year's theme, “Cooperative Finance - A Steady Signal in a Noisy World", highlights the trust, stability and people-first approach that have long distinguished customer-owned banking from traditional shareholder-owned institutions. The theme recognises that in an increasingly complex financial world, cooperative financial institutions continue to provide clear, reliable and community-focused banking services.

To mark the occasion, staff across BankWAW are swapping their usual business attire for bright and "noisy" shirts, bringing the global theme to life while celebrating the unique role customer-owned banking continues to play across regional Australia.

Michael Mack, Chief Executive Officer of BankWAW, said the day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mutual banking and the difference customer ownership makes.

"As a customer-owned bank, every decision we make is guided by what's in the best interests of our customers and communities. We don't answer to shareholders. We answer to the people who bank with us every day."

"International Credit Union Day is a reminder that banking can and should be about people, relationships and community outcomes. These principles have never been more important than they are today."

The celebration comes at a time when regional and rural Australia continues to experience a reduction in face-to-face banking services, with many communities impacted by branch closures and the withdrawal of essential financial services. Regional banks and mutuals have increasingly become the institutions maintaining a physical presence in the communities they serve, providing access to cash, lending expertise, fraud support and financial guidance that cannot always be replicated through digital channels alone.

Michael Mack said access to local banking services remains critical for regional communities.

"For many Australians, particularly those living in regional and rural areas, a local bank branch is more than somewhere to complete a transaction. It's where people seek advice, open their first account, discuss a home loan, receive help after a scam attempt or access support during difficult times."

"When communities lose local banking services, they lose more than a building. They lose expertise, local jobs, community investment and an important source of financial support."

As a proud supporter of the Regional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA), BankWAW is working alongside 24 regional banking institutions to advocate for the long-term sustainability of regional banking services across Australia. The Alliance is focused on ensuring customers in regional, rural and remote communities continue to have access to face-to-face banking and the essential services local branches provide.

"Our involvement with the Regional Banking Investment Alliance reflects our commitment to standing up for regional communities," Mr Mack said.

"Regional banks continue to invest in local communities, employ local people and provide personalised services because we understand the regions we serve. Through the Alliance, we're advocating for practical solutions that help preserve access to banking services for future generations."

"The reality is that strong regional communities need strong regional banks. If we want vibrant regional economies, thriving local businesses and financially inclusive communities, we need to ensure people can continue to access quality banking services close to home."

While the banking industry continues to evolve, BankWAW believes the future of banking should combine digital convenience with accessible local service, ensuring customers can choose how they bank without sacrificing personal support when they need it most.

This International Credit Union Day®, BankWAW proudly celebrates the values that have defined customer-owned banking for generations: trust, fairness, community and a commitment to improving the financial wellbeing of the people it serves. As staff don their noisy shirts in recognition of this year's theme, the message is simple: in a noisy world, customer-owned banking remains a steady signal for regional Australia.

ENDS

Media Contact

Marketing & Communications – Katie Griggs
BankWAW
0461 520 059
[email protected]