Patricia O'Callaghan, who has served on the Queensland Country Bank Board for over nine years, will take on the role of Deputy Chair of the Queensland Country Bank Board from 31 July 2025, following the retirement of long serving Director and Deputy Chair John Weier.
Mr Weier's career in member-owned banking spans more than four decades and includes leadership through several mergers. As the Chief Executive Officer of Queenslanders Credit Union, he played a key role in its merger with Queensland Country Credit Union in April 2018, at which time he became a Board Director.
Queensland Country Bank Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Newman, said Mr Weier's contribution has been significant.
John's steady leadership, particularly as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Risk Management Committee, helped guide the organisation through major milestones, including our transition from a credit union to a member-owned bank, said Mr Newman.
His active involvement in sporting and community groups in Ipswich speaks to his grassroots commitment, and it's this deep local connection that has made him such a strong advocate for regional Queenslanders.
He has been instrumental in advancing our vision to become the best bank for regional Queenslanders through strategic growth throughout the state and giving back to our local communities.
Queensland Country Bank Board Chair Lewis Ramsay said Mr Weier's retirement forms part of a well-considered succession plan that continues to put Members first.
John has been a respected leader, mentor and advocate for Members, and on behalf of the Board, I thank John for his service and wish him every happiness in retirement, said Mr Ramsay.
As part of our transition plan, Patricia O'Callaghan, currently a Director on the Board, will step into the role of Deputy Chair.
Patricia is a highly accomplished leader renowned for her ability to drive strategic initiatives, foster meaningful stakeholder relationships, and champion regional economic development.
She is currently the Director-General of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, a role she has held since November 2024. Prior to this, Patricia's leadership as Chief Executive Officer of Tourism and Events Queensland, guided the state's tourism strategy and industry recovery efforts.
Having grown up in Mount Isa and spending much of her working life in regional Queensland, Patricia has a deep appreciation and understanding of the needs of local communities. Her proven track record of converting strategy into tangible outcomes, combined with her passion for growing companies and communities, makes her an exceptional choice for this role.
The Board and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity as we continue to deliver genuine, member focused banking services for regional Queenslanders.
Learn more about Queensland Country Bank’s Directors and Executive Team