A major project progressing for Queensland Country Bank is the refurbishment of a six level building in Adelaide St in the centre of Brisbane city. We have recently purchased 247 Adelaide St to accommodate our growing workforce based in Brisbane. We will also be relocating our Brisbane city branch currently situated in Post Office Square, which will represent our most advanced approach to face to face banking. This new flagship branch will also include a range of new technologies to ensure we are delivering a banking service that is relevant to all Members. Our new building will also ensure we have a modern and welcoming new work environment for all of our Brisbane administration team to support them delivering the best banking experience for Members. This new space will bring our branch and admin teams together under one roof, which will help everyone feel more connected in one location. The building will also provide the capacity for a larger workforce over time, addressing the limitations of our current location.

In addition, we’re aiming to ensure the building’s exterior reflects the Queensland Country Bank brand and stands out prominently in the city. This is an exciting project, and I’m looking forward to seeing our new workplace take shape. The plan is for both our administration and branch teams to move into the new building by the end of the calendar year.

I am passionate about gender equality in the workplace and am proud to see that Queensland Country Bank has again been recognised as a one of the best places for women in the workplace in Australia. This recognition has come from the Great Place to Work organisation, which has been operating since 1992 and has surveyed more than 100 million people across 60 countries. The Great Place To Work Best Workplaces for Women list is determined by an organisation’s commitment to fostering equity in the workplace ensuring their female employees feel safe, heard, challenged and valued.

An area of our business where we have made some important progress has been in relation to financial crimes. The areas of improvement we have seen are in relation to the number and value of fraudulent transactions attempted against Queensland Country Bank Members. A reduction in the successful scams and frauds attempted against members has led to a significant reduction in Member losses. The types of frauds that have resulted in Member losses include investment and remote access scams, Facebook marketplaces scams and romance scams, and these have all reduced in the past 6 months. Any financial loss to criminals is terrible, and we will continue to introduce initiatives to raise awareness with Members and improve the way we protect Members from these frauds and scams.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge some amazing awards we have received recently from Canstar. We have been recognised for three outstanding value awards for our home loan products that include:

• Investment Variable Home Lender for 2025
• Investment Home Lender for 2025
• Variable Home Lender for 2025

We were compared with 81 other banks over the past 6 months.

We ranked first for Investment Home Lender, third for Variable Home Lender and second for Investment Variable Home Lender. This is quite an achievement and demonstrates how we continue to provide value for Members.

The bank has seen significant growth in new Memberships and new lending over this financial year and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our new and existing Members for placing your trust in our organisation to support your banking needs.

Aaron Newman
Chief Executive Officer

At Queensland Country Bank, delivering exceptional products and services. That’s why we’re so proud to share some exciting news with you—our commitment to delivering outstanding value has been recognised with a host of awards, and we couldn’t have done it without our valued Members.

We’re thrilled to have received three Canstar Awards for outstanding value:

• Outstanding Value - Variable Home Lender (2025)

• Outstanding Value - Investment Variable Home Lender (2024 - 2025)

• Outstanding Value - Investment Home Lender (2024 - 2025)

Canstar is an independent ratings agency that evaluates and compares financial products and services in Australia. It’s not all about numbers when assessing outstanding value. They follow a customer’s journey through the life of the product, from research right through to the level of support offered to a customer. Learn about Canstar ratings.

These recognitions are just the latest in a string of achievements for Queensland Country Bank. Earlier this year, we were also honoured with multiple Mozo Experts Choice Awards for Home Loans:

• Packaged Home Loan Award (2025)

• Offset Home Loan Award (2025)

• Investor Home Loan Award (2025)

These awards reflect our unwavering dedication to helping Members like you achieve your financial dreams.

Supporting Your Financial Journey

Whether you're stepping into the property market for the first time, investing in your next opportunity, or looking for a better deal on your current loan, Queensland Country Bank is here to guide you every step of the way.

• First Home Buyers – Start your property journey from as little as a 5% deposit*.

• Investors – Discover solutions that could offer outstanding value.

• Homeowners – Find a product that could be right for you and your unique needs.

Our team could help you find the right solution, combining award-winning products with community-focused service.

Explore Our Award-Winning Selection

We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the trust and loyalty of our Members. Now, we’d love for you to experience the products and services that have earned industry acclaim.

Browse our website or give us a call today to explore our award-winning offerings and find out how we could help you achieve your financial goals.

*Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) may apply on loans if the Loan to Valuation Ratio (LVR) exceeds 80%. Visit queenslandcountry.bank for more information and the relevant TMD. Lending Criteria, fees and charges apply.  

Making a Difference across Queensland with Community Grants

Through our Good For Good Community Grants we're proud to support local groups making a difference for Queensland communities. Here’s how some of our recent grant recipients are creating lasting change.

Transforming Playtime at Weipa Kindy

Weipa Kindy unveiled their brand-new playground equipment, funded by a nearly $10,000 grant. This much-needed upgrade has replaced old, deteriorating structures with durable, treated timber equipment.

Luke O’Day, our local Branch Manager in Weipa, visited the Kindy to see the smiles this new playground brought to the community.

“Being a Member-owned bank, it’s our responsibility to give back to the communities that support us. For regional towns like Weipa, where accessing funding can be more difficult, we’re especially proud to make an impact,” he shared.

This new playground isn’t just about play; it’s an investment in the joy, safety, and development of the children and families who call Weipa home.

Read more in this article.

Supporting Wildlife Carers Across Far North Queensland

Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue (FNQ Wildlife Rescue) is using grant funds to make life a little easier for their selfless rescue and care teams. With the funding, carers now have access to free fauna products and essential resources that help them provide for sick, injured, or vulnerable wildlife.

“For carers, the weekly costs of looking after wildlife can add up quickly - depending on the species. For those on a single income or pension, this support is invaluable” said FNQ Wildlife Rescue’s Desley Jones.

Our Cairns Branch Manager, Trish Sabatino, echoed the importance of supporting community initiatives like this.“At Queensland Country Bank, giving back is in our DNA. We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside FNQ Wildlife Rescue as they continue their vital work protecting our region’s incredible wildlife.”

Read the full article.

Powering a Brighter Future for Charters Towers Civic Club

Charters Towers Civic Club is one of the proud recipients of a community grant, which has helped fund their solar power project. The Club is a community hub and place for its members to gather, celebrate, and socialise. Located in the heart of Charters Towers, the club has provided a welcoming space for countless community activities over the decades.

Club President Alan Peter Rowe said the $18,150 grant funded a 13.2kW solar installation, steeply cutting the club’s electricity costs.

Local Manager Susan Murphy visited the Civic Club and is thrilled to be a part of a local Queensland Bank supporting such an impactful project.

“Being Member-owned means we have the opportunity to help Members achieve their financial goals and support local communities. This funding will create lasting benefits for the Civic Club and Charters Towers."

Read more.

Celebrating Art, Culture and Community in Mount Isa

Awarded a $5,000 Queensland Country Bank Community Grant, Outback at Isa is now embarking on a creative project that will showcase Mount Isa's vibrant culture. The grant funds are being used to transform the café at the Outback at Isa Centre with a stunning new mural.

Renowned Indigenous artist Barbara Sam, a respected leader in the arts community, is involving two local youths in the project, sharing her wealth of experience and passing on skills that will resonate far beyond the mural’s completion.

By supporting both local talent and youth, this project is a wonderful example of the positive change that can come from working together.

Learn more.

Food For Thought – Fuel For Schools Delivers with the help of Grant Funding

Fuel for Schools can continue to support local school kids with meals thanks to a Queensland Country Bank Good for Good Community Grant. Fuel for Schools Operations Manager Paddy Pool said the $24,500 grant has allowed the charity to purchase their van, after its two-year lease ended in February.

“The van gives us the right reliability and consistency needed so we are able to deliver food to the children around town,” Mr Pool said.

“Queensland Country Bank is a very well-known company that supports local Townsville and local community events, and we do exactly the same thing, locals supporting locals is pretty much our go to.”

Mr Pool said the charity gives out almost 7,000 meals a week and deliver more than 1,000 back packs to children around the region.

“Since we’ve had the van, I can’t imagine the charity surviving without it – with the quantity of food going out of our shed each day, it would be a nightmare in a smaller car,” he said. 

Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman said he was thrilled to support Fuel for Schools and help them continue their legacy to support students.

“Fuel for Schools is a prolific name in and around Townsville, and they do such important work in supporting children across the region and making a strong impact. One of the benefits of being a Member-owned bank is that some of our profits go back into supporting our local communities which is at the heart of what we do at Queensland Country Bank.”

We look forward to seeing more of our community grant recipients continue to make a difference in our communities.

Register Your Interest in the Next Grounds Round

*Eligibility, terms and conditions apply to all grant applications.

What if there was a way you could reduce the stress of managing multiple bills, smooth out your expenses, and take control of your budget? Brendi’s testimonial is a shining example of how effective budgeting can remove stress and improve financial lives.

“Satisfaction, financial and personal. Queensland Country Bank is very reliable...I have found the SmartBudget gives me peace of mind knowing my bills are taken care of. Customer service is five-star,” Brendi - Product Review**

SmartBudget at a Glance

SmartBudget is Queensland Country Bank’s clever bill-paying and budgeting tool designed to help you plan for an entire year’s worth of allocated expenses*. By spreading your bills into equal, manageable payments over a 12-month period, SmartBudget could be great for budgeters:

• Smooth out your bills by calculating yearly costs and dividing them evenly across the year.

• Automatically align bill payments to your pay cycle for convenience.

• Be better prepared for the ebbs and flows of bills with built-in ‘rainy-day’ feature.

"At Queensland Country Bank, we understand how overwhelming managing bills and budgets can be. That’s why we created SmartBudget, a smart and effective tool to help smooth out the fluctuations of household expenses, so you can focus on other things in life." says Andrew McArdle, Queensland Country Bank Chief Products and Marketing Officer.

"Paired with our Money Mentors, who provide guidance and support for your unique financial situation, we’re here to empower our Members to take control of their budgets and plan confidently for the future."

Specialist Guidance from Money Mentors

Queensland Country Bank Money Mentor and SmartBudget specialist - Dee Soars, highlights the challenge of managing bills and how Members could benefit from SmartBudget.

“Between rising costs of living, rising rent prices, and our busy lifestyles, I would say most people don’t have time to spend hours building budgeting spreadsheets or know where to turn for some guidance.” she shared.

"The biggest benefit in my eyes is potentially reducing the amount of payments to worry about. This could take the stress out of trying to figure out what is coming out of where."

Our team of Money Mentors aims to empower you with knowledge on your financial journey to help you to take control of your budget.

“Financial literacy is not something that we talk about enough, and can even come with feelings of shame or embarrassment for some. It shouldn’t be this way. You should never feel bad about sitting down with someone who does this every day, to get another perspective on things.” Dee emphasised.

Why not take the first step? Book a complimentary chat with one of Queensland Country Bank’s Money Mentors. Their focus is ensuring every budgeting plan fits with your income, expenses and goals.

Learn more and take the first step start today.

*Fees and charges apply. See Terms and Conditions and consider if the product is right for you. Click here for more

The guidance provided by Money Mentors is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

**Reviews reflect our Members personal experiences and opinions.

In March we celebrated International Women’s Day with the thrilling announcement of Queensland Country Bank’s inclusion on the prestigious Best Workplaces for Women list by Great Place to Work. Queensland Country Bank is proud to be recognised once again for its efforts in promoting gender equality in the workplace.

This recognition coincided with International Women’s Day celebrations across Australia, which aim to accelerate action for gender equality and empower a diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.

Petrice Gould, Chief Financial Officer, shared her thoughts on the accomplishment.

“We are extremely excited to share that Queensland Country has been nominated for the second time as one of the Best Workplaces™ for Women by Great Place to Work!  This is a huge honour and a testament to our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

At Queensland Country, we live by our values:  Be Genuine, Put People First, Embrace Change, and Bring Your Best. These aren't just words to us—they're the foundation of everything we do. We believe in being real, supporting each other, staying open to new ideas and opportunities, and always giving our all.

As we expand into Southern Queensland, we're excited about the future and the chance to make an even bigger impact. Our vision is to be Queensland's best regional bank, and we know that by investing in our amazing team, we can achieve great things together.

To all our incredible team members, thank you for your hard work and dedication. You are the heart and soul of Queensland Country, and together, we're building something truly special. Let's keep pushing boundaries, embracing change, and making a difference in the lives of our members and communities.

Here's to a bright and exciting future!”

Queensland Country Bank’s employees, 73% of which are women, can be proud to know that they are paving the way for future generations. Working with an organisation that not only recognises the need to have a diverse and inclusive workforce, but one that actively seeks to encourage and promote equality is inspiring but should also be the standard. From our entry level roles to the boardroom, decisions here are made by people who represent everyone from all walks of life. That is how we put our Members first.

Let’s continue to embrace change and accelerate action in gender equality.  

We say … hello! Our new branch on the Sunshine Coast opens on April 14 2025 in Maroochydore!

While other banks are closing branches across the state, we are OPENING, and it’s our 29^th branch!

The Maroochydore Branch will open at 21 Duporth Avenue on 14 April 2025. Importantly for us and all our Sunshine Coast Members, the branch will be supported by our Southern Queensland Regional Manager, Karen O’Rourke, and long-time Sunny Coaster and banking leader, Tristan Scott.  

Maroochydore will be a full-service branch, meaning it will provide the Sunshine Coast community with direct access to personal, face-to-face banking services. Specifically the new branch will offer:

Personal Banking:

• Home loans (variable and fixed)
• Investment lending
• Transaction and savings accounts
• Fixed term deposits
• Credit cards
• Personal loans (car loans, reno loans, boat loans)
• Budgeting assistance
• AND OF COURSE, over-the-counter transactions

Business Banking:

• Business accounts
• Business payment solutions
• Business investments
• Business finance
• Agribusiness

Insurance:

• General insurance through our partner CGU
• Health insurance provided by HBF through our partner Queensland Country Health Fund

The Maroochydore Branch opening is part of our commitment to become Queensland’s Best Regional Bank.  

“While many banks are closing their doors, particularly in regional areas, Queensland Country Bank continues to prioritise supporting the regions and communities where our Members live and work,” said our CEO Aaron Newman. “Queensland Country Bank is committed to ensuring Queenslanders across the state—both in regional and metropolitan areas—have access to reliable and community-focused banking, and that means on the Sunshine Coast.”

“The Sunshine Coast is one of the *fastest growing regions in Queensland, and we are committed to being where our Members are. The Maroochydore branch expands our services and investment in the Sunshine Coast region, adding to our already established Maleny branch, and our investment in the much loved, and hugely popular Queensland Garden Show.”

“It’s so satisfying to work for a bank that still values face to face service as well as third party channels. I can’t recall the last bank I worked for that opened a start-up branch. This really displays our commitment to the community. Because we are Member owned, we are not just driving profit for the shareholder. It’s just as important to ensure additional value to provide to our Members via product and price. This makes winning business easy and very satisfying,” Tristan Scott.

The bank recently held its Board Meeting in Maroochydore, as well as a briefing event. Working in local areas and supporting local business is a priority for everyone as we work to achieving Queensland’s Best Regional Bank status.  

Learn more about our branch opening in Maroochydore, as featured in Hello Sunshine Magazine!

The moves also supports our recent initiatives across the state including the principal partnership with Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat, the continuing success of our Good for Good Community Grants program, and the ongoing naming rights at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium. 

We take pride in supporting our communities and local businesses across Queensland. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our newest offering—the Farm Management Deposit Account (FMDA)—designed specifically to help primary producers manage their finances through the good times and help them be prepared through the challenging times.

Why Choose Our FMDA?

If you’re a farmer or rural business owner, you may know how unpredictable agricultural income can be. Seasonal fluctuations, natural disasters, and unforeseen market changes can make it difficult to plan ahead. That’s where our Farm Management Deposit Account could help.

By setting aside pre-tax primary production income during the more profitable times, the FMDA could allow you to prepare for the difficult periods.

Potential Tax Benefits

If you meet eligibility requirements, you could also enjoy tax advantages.

Here's how it works*:

• Pre-tax money you deposit into the FMDA is deducted from your taxable income for that year.

• When you withdraw those funds, they’ll be recognised as income for that year’s tax return.

• To qualify for these benefits, deposits must remain in the account for at least 12 months.

This could make the FMDA a smart, practical way to smooth out the ups and downs of life on the land.

Features Supporting Your Needs

We understand that every farmer and business is unique, so our FMDA is designed with flexible features to fit your circumstances*:

• No monthly account service fees

• Flexible terms from 3 months to 2 years

• Minimum deposit amount of just $1,000

• Interest paid monthly, annually, or at maturity—you choose the option that works best for you

Speak to Our Team Today

Learn more and speak to our team today to explore how this account can support you and your business. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Queensland.

*Eligibility and conditions apply. This information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information you should consider the relevant TMD, whether it is right for you and seek your own advice.

Severe weather events can attract the attention of scammers looking to exploit vulnerable individuals. Queenslanders are all too familiar with tough weather—from the recent flooding in the North and across Western Queensland, to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the South East. Unfortunately, while many people are working hard to recover, scammers see an opportunity to take advantage.

Understanding how these scams operate and staying vigilant can protect not only you but also your loved ones and your broader community. 

Scammers Take Advantage of Chaos

“When natural disasters strike, scammers prey on people’s desperation and goodwill,” says Martin Latimer, Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience at the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA).

Scammers know that in the wake of severe natural events, individuals and families can be feeling overwhelmed and desperate to recover—emotionally, physically, and financially. They exploit this vulnerability through tactics such as false promises of financial relief.

The “Insurance Payout” or “Rebate” Scam

One common scam involves scammers posing as representatives of insurance companies or government agencies. They may contact you with the promise of quick financial relief, such as rebates or insurance payouts. Often, they’ll request sensitive personal information or financial details under the guise of “verifying” your identity.

Handing over this information can give scammers access to your bank account, putting you at risk for financial theft and identity fraud.

What to do: If you’re contacted this way, don’t comply immediately. Instead, stop and independently verify the authenticity of the message. Reach out directly to your insurance provider or the relevant agency using contact details from their official website.

Charity Scams

Many Queenslanders rally with donations during a crisis. Scammers, unfortunately, exploit this goodwill by posing as representatives from charitable organisations.

They might approach you via phone calls, emails, or even in person, requesting donations to seemingly worthy causes. However, many of these "charities" are completely fake.

How to Safeguard Your Donations

• Verify the Charity: Before donating, confirm the organisation’s legitimacy. Use trusted resources like the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) to check their credentials. Look for their official donation page rather than clicking on suspicious links sent in messages.

• Beware of Unsolicited Requests: Charitable causes don’t typically ask for donations out of the blue. Watch for unsolicited emails or calls. These could be phishing attempts designed to steal your financial data.

Taking the time to research ensures that your contribution reaches those who genuinely need help.

If something feels off, it probably is.

Stop. Check. Protect.

The best way to combat scams is to stay informed and vigilant. Always remember these three steps:

1. Stop before acting on unexpected or unsolicited communication.
2. Check the source by contacting official organisations and using trusted resources like the ACNC or Scamwatch.gov.au.
3. Protect yourself by reporting any potential scams and avoiding sharing personal details unnecessarily.

If you’ve encountered a possible scam, report it at Scamwatch.gov.au. If you believe you’ve been scammed, don’t wait to act. Immediately report it to us by calling 1800 075 078, contacting us online or visiting your local branch.

We're proud to announce that we've extended our partnership with Queensland Country Bank Stadium for another 4 years, bringing our collaboration to an incredible 10-year milestone!

To celebrate this occasion, we're giving our valued members the chance to win one of 10 amazing prizes so you can make unforgettable memories at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Here's what's up for grabs:

• 3 x Four tickets to the Queensland Derby (NQ Cowboys vs Broncos)🏉  
• 3 x Four tickets to Wallabies vs Argentina
• 4 x Four tickets to the spectacular Nitro Circus🏍️

Whether you're a rugby fanatic or a thrill-seeker, this is your chance to be part of the action! 

Enter now and view terms and conditions at https://www.queenslandcountry.bank/10for10

Wait, There’s More!

To further celebrate our Naming Rights extension of Queensland Country Bank Stadium we’re giving Members an exclusive chance to win NQ Cowboys tickets to every home game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the 2025 season.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action - click the link to enter the draw and view terms and conditions.

Cowboys Member Ballot | Queensland Country Bank.

This milestone reflects our commitment to the community and to the passionate NQ Cowboys fans who make this region so special.