Queensland Country Bank will look to firm up its presence in the Sunshine Coast as their specialist lending office is officially opened in Maroochydore today.
As the “Big Four” banks continue the trend of closing branches across the state, the new office in Maroochydore further cements Queensland Country Bank’s commitment to existing and new members across the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland Country Bank Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Newman, says the organisation is committed to the Sunshine Coast as the region’s economy grows above the national average.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s fastest developing economies with significant residential and commercial developments underway,” Mr Newman says.
“Queensland Country Bank is a member-owned organisation with a 50-year history of helping regional Queenslanders achieve their financial goals and having a mobile lender on the ground in Maroochydore will enable us to better service existing and new Members and brokers.”
Since the opening of their Maleny Branch in 2019, Queensland Country Bank has experienced steady growth with over 1500 Members in the region and total loans of $25 Million. Mr Newman expects that within the first year of operation, the Maroochydore Special Lending Office should process around $15 Million of loans.
“Queensland Country’s growth strategy is Member-focussed and underpinned by providing face to face customer service, as opposed to the major banks who are closing branches in regional centres,” Mr Newman says.
Mountain Creek local and Retail Business Development Manager, Tristan Scott will be at the helm to assist Members with residential and commercial lending requirements in the Sunshine Coast.
“Buying a house or dealing with finance can be confusing and frustrating for many people. People want to deal with an expert, but they also want to deal with real person who can answer their questions or explain things in a simple manner,” Mr Scott explains.
“My experience and understanding of all home loan scenarios means our Members have the opportunity to deal face to face with a real person.”
Part of Queensland Country’s commitment to their local regions is by giving back through various local initiatives and Mr Scott, who has strong roots within the Sunshine Coast community, is pleased to announce Queensland Country Bank’s P100 membership with local charity, SunnyKids.
“As a member-owned organisation our priority has always been with our Members and community first, it is vital that we have strong community connections in our local markets,” Mr Scott says.
“I have always admired the dedication a group like SunnyKids brings to under privileged children. Many children within our local communities have to navigate challenging life experiences, and the support offered by SunnyKids such as emergency accommodation and referral counselling, can make an immediate impact.
“As a father of three and now grandfather, I feel a responsibility to learn more about how SunnyKids helps keep children safe and feel protected. I’m excited that the Sunshine Coast community will be able to benefit more from Queensland Country Bank’s grants and sponsorships programs now we have a presence here.”