The Bank has reached a new financial milestone, with total assets now surpassing $4 billion. This growth strengthens our profitability, enabling us to invest further in the business and expand our services to better support our Members. Over the past six months, we’ve made some notable investment decisions to support our growth objectives including becoming the principal partner of the Brisbane Heat cricket team, Queensland’s only competitor in the national Big Bash League. We’re thrilled to support our local team and hope you will be equally proud as they showcase the Queensland Country Bank brand on their uniforms throughout the season.

We also recently completed the purchase of a prime commercial property in Brisbane’s central business district—a significant milestone in our journey to becoming Queensland’s Best Regional Bank. This new property, located at 247 Adelaide Street, will serve as the hub for our Brisbane-based administrative teams and the future site of our CBD branch. This acquisition complements our Townsville head office and regional Queensland branches, supporting the Bank’s strong growth and reinforcing our commitment to communities across the state.

As a Queensland-based business, we are committed to staying connected with local communities. Recently, our Board and executives spent time in Cairns, where we held a Board meeting and attended a business lunch with local leaders. This visit provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Cairns community, as well as a deeper understanding of the local banking needs. We’re excited to continue this approach in early 2025 when our Board and executives visit Maroochydore to engage with the community and learn more about their unique perspectives.

I was asked recently what I am most proud of for the year, and it would have to be our staff engagement score of 80%. This is the highest result for a staff engagement survey in the 20 years that we have been measuring staff engagement. At a time when staff have been really busy delivering the great results achieved by the business, it’s clear that staff have enjoyed the challenge and felt proud of the results achieved. Having an engaged workforce is critical to continuing to improve the way we deliver banking, and the high standard of service we want to deliver to Members.

The festive season is a good time to reflect on the achievements of the past year but also to set some goals to achieve in the new year. I hope as your banking partner we hope to have played a meaningful role in supporting your financial wellbeing this year and look forward to helping you achieve your aspirations in 2025. Wishing you a safe, joyful holiday season and a prosperous, successful year ahead.

Aaron Newman
Chief Executive Officer

For the round of 2024-25, 15 not-for-profit organisations have been selected to receive a Good for Good Community Grant, sharing in a total funding amount of $150,000.

This exceptional community programme has been running since 2005 and, with its most recent round of recipients, will have injected $3 million into grassroots initiatives for Queensland. It is open to eligible Queensland not-for-profit organisations, with grants of up to $30,000 available to help deliver projects that will make a practical difference in communities.

“Community groups from Cairns to Brisbane, Weipa, Mount Isa, and down to Stanthorpe will receive Good for Good Community Grants, and we're proud and excited to see the impact of these projects on our Queensland communities. In 2024-25, we will provide a shared total funding of $150,000.” said Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman.

Here are our 2024-25 Good for Good grant recipients and a summary of their projects:

In Cairns, Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue (FNQWLR) will use funding to sustain their rescue and care efforts for the increasing number of animals requiring assistance, especially with the decline in carers willing to incur the cost of specialised food. COUCH Wellness Centre will use the funding to support existing and new clients affected by cancer with free workshops, including Nutrition, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy.

In Yarrabah, the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association will focus on increasing female participation, particularly in the Indigenous community of Yarrabah and the local Indian community, by providing equipment, uniforms, and transport assistance to practices and games. In Mount Isa, Outback at Isa will create a feature wall designed by local Indigenous, at-risk young people, coached by Indigenous artists, enabling skill development and exposure while supporting local talent and cultural diversity. The Mount Isa and District Athletics Club will use the funding to purchase new shade tents and gazebos to protect athletes and their parents from extreme temperatures.

In Weipa, the Weipa Early Childhood Education Association Inc. will install playground equipment incorporating natural materials and elements to support exploration and play-based learning. Townsville’s Fuel For Schools Ltd. will purchase a vehicle to deliver food supplies to schools across North and North-West Queensland for their breakfast programme, aiming to provide more children with a nutritious breakfast, improving attendance and learning outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged children.

In Charters Towers, the Charters Towers Civic Club's project utilises solar power at its heritage-listed building, reducing power bills, improving sustainability, and allowing the club to allocate funds to other projects and maintenance works. In Mackay, the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Inc. will install beach access matting to boost safe and inclusive participation, addressing the physical barrier of loose sand for older, disabled, mobility-impaired, and visually impaired community members.

In Ayr, the Big Birds Nest Childcare Centre will provide much-needed new cots to promote safe sleep quality, care, and long-term viability. In Collinsville, the Collinsville Community Association will use the funding to have an undercover concrete area professionally painted with games, activities, and line markings to keep the minds and bodies of youth active. In Stanthorpe, the Stanthorpe & District Cricket Association Inc. will upgrade cricket covers for two turf pitches and purchase water management equipment.

The Western Districts Netball Association in Brisbane will assist migrant and refugee students from local schools to participate by covering registration fees, uniforms, training shoes, and sports bras as needed. Queensland-wide, Cystic Fibrosis Queensland's project provides spirometers to children in low socio-economic rural, regional, and remote areas, allowing lung health to be monitored from home and reducing the need for frequent, long-distance travel to healthcare facilities.

Finally, in North Lakes, the Bramble Bay Women’s Shed will upgrade its facilities to enhance safety, purchasing new machines, electrical equipment, roofing insulation, and a defibrillator.

Money Mentors is a complimentary Member service aimed at improving the lives of Queenslanders through better financial well-being. Every financial journey is unique, and our dedicated team of Money Mentors works with you to align with your specific goals based on your needs and stage of life. The support of a Money Mentor doesn’t end after one appointment – you’ll receive ongoing support through regular check-ins and appointments tailored to your needs.

Queensland Country Bank Money Mentor, Renae, emphasizes the importance of financial health. “Finances are something that most people aren’t comfortable discussing with family or friends, and therefore they don’t seek support or guidance when needed. We offer a fresh set of eyes to look over your budget, savings, debts, and bills and can sometimes see things from a different perspective.”

Romy Tietzel, NRLW player and Queensland Country Bank ambassador, has a goal of purchasing her first home and highlights the importance of receiving effective guidance through the process. “They (Money Mentors) give you great guidance to push you in the right direction. My biggest goal at the moment is to buy my first home. My Money Mentor is Renae up in Townsville. That relationship is really good; Renae’s very easy to work with and is very helpful in guiding me to make sure I’m achieving my goals.”

Renae believes Money Mentors are a valuable resource for Members thinking about purchasing their first home. “First home buyers can feel overwhelmed when they start the process of purchasing their new home. We take the time to step through each stage with them. It’s not just about having a deposit – it’s also about having a great banking structure to make it successful. It doesn’t end at the purchase; we also continue working with our Members to assist them in achieving their next goal, which could simply be paying off their home loan sooner.”

Money Mentors can help you with:

• Budgeting and understanding your cash flow: Buy-now-pay-later services, subscriptions, discretionary payments, and automated billing can make it challenging to track your money. Our team can help you track your spending and gain better cash flow insights to make adjustments tailored to your goals.
• Financial goal setting: Are you saving for a deposit on a home or preparing for a loan? Thinking about a new car? Or perhaps you’re focused on reducing your debt and streamlining your bills. Money Mentors work with you to identify opportunities to achieve financial goals based on your priorities.
• Developing practical solutions: From basic account structuring guidance to comprehensive budget planning and management tools, Money Mentors help you identify solutions best suited to your individual needs.

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

Helping first-time buyers achieve their dreams  

At Queensland Country Bank, we understand that buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones. That’s why we’re passionate about supporting first-time buyers every step of the way—making what might feel overwhelming a little simpler and a lot more achievable.  

Our 'First Home Buying Made Simple' campaign, launched on 1 October 2024, was designed with our Members in mind. From practical guidance to real-life stories, we’re here to demystify the process and help Queenslanders turn the dream of homeownership into reality.  

A standout moment of the campaign was our complimentary First Home Information Evening on 23 October, held at our Townsville Head Office and streamed online. This event brought together a panel of industry experts in banking, real estate, building, conveyancing, and sustainability to answer participants’ most pressing questions.  

One attendee shared:  

“The session was super informative, and I learnt heaps about topics I wasn’t even aware of.”

The evening was a wonderful success, with 22 participants joining us and creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. We focused on simplifying the complexities of the home-buying process, breaking it down into clear, easy-to-understand terms so everyone felt confident and informed.  

One of the highlights of the night was the lively Q&A session, where attendees asked thoughtful questions and our expert panel provided real, practical answers to address their concerns. It was a true reflection of our commitment to guiding first-time buyers through this exciting journey.

Buying your first home doesn’t stop with one event, and neither do we. Our First Home Hub is your go-to online resource, packed with tools and advice to guide you through the journey at your own pace.

Here’s what you’ll find:
Expert guidance: Chat with our local lending specialists to discover why our home loan products have won awards.
Money Mentors: Plan for your first home with personalised guidance on budgeting, saving, and accessing government support.
Upcoming Information Sessions: Learn everything you need to know about purchasing your first home in Queensland, including:

• Estimating your borrowing capacity
• Creating a personal budget
• Simplifying the home-buying process
• Government grants and support available

Together, let’s make your dream home a reality. 

Supporting the heart of Queensland

At Queensland Country Bank, we believe in celebrating the people, events, and teams that make our state truly special. From iconic cultural festivals to major sporting collaborations, we’re proud to stand behind the moments that bring Queenslanders together.  

World-class entertainment in Townsville 

2024 was a year to remember at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. From the electrifying Pink! concert to unforgettable performances by The Killers and Jet, we’ve welcomed world-class entertainment to our backyard. It’s been an incredible start to the year, showcasing how our stadium continues to draw major acts and events that put North Queensland on the map.  

Teaming up with Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat  

In July, we proudly announced our Principal Partnership with the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket—a landmark collaboration that will span the next three years. Cricket has always been a unifying sport for Queenslanders, bringing families and friends together to cheer for their teams. This partnership reflects our passion for supporting sports that foster a strong sense of community and pride across the state.  

Growing with the garden expo

For the second consecutive year, we were thrilled to sponsor the beloved Queensland Garden Expo, an event that has captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts and garden lovers in Queensland. This partnership not only helped grow our brand but also strengthened our connection with the thriving gardening community.  

Supporting local sports across Queensland

Our commitment to local sports remains strong. We were proud to back the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and the Mackay Cutters, contributing to the growth of rugby league in our region. Meanwhile, as the official banking partner of the Cairns Taipans, we were thrilled to continue championing professional basketball in Far North Queensland. These partnerships reflect our dedication to nurturing sports at both the grassroots and professional levels, creating opportunities for fans and players alike.  

Celebrating arts and culture

In September last year, the North Queensland Festival of Arts (NAFA) was nothing short of spectacular, and we were honoured to play a part. Queensland Country Bank presented a free concert featuring Xavier Rudd, a performance that left audiences in awe. Events like NAFA ignite a shared love for arts and culture, bringing vibrancy and creativity to the region while fostering a sense of community.  

As we launch into 2025, we're proud to support the events, sports, and cultural experiences that matter most to you. These partnerships and celebrations are a testament to our mission: strengthening the heart of Queensland by investing in what makes our communities thrive. From the cricket pitch to the concert stage, we’re proud to be part of the moments that unite us all. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

If the festive season saw you spending more time at home pondering ‘what could be,’ we may have you covered. There are a number of options when it comes to financing home renovations, but the two most common products are a Home Equity Loan or a Reno Loan. Both are designed with the goal of being paid back in the short-term future. Whether you choose a Home Equity Loan or a Reno Loan depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Let’s weigh them up…

While these are two popular and convenient ways to bring your home renovations to life, our Lending Specialists will work with you to find the best product that suits your goals. Book a chat with our Lending Specialist today.

Terms and conditions of Queensland Country Bank’s loans apply. View the relevant TMDs available at queenslandcountry.bank. Normal lending criteria, terms, conditions, and fees apply and are available on request.