Burdekin Bank Branch Celebrates Member-First Approach

While big banks are cutting services in an industry that is facing significant challenges, a local branch in Burdekin is celebrating its institution's success. Queensland Country Bank, a member-owned institution, is bucking industry trends, adding more accolades to its collection, and demonstrating that the customer-focused approach is a clear winner.
Queensland Country Bank is a multi-award-winning financial institution. The bank has recently secured wins at the WeMoney 2024 Awards, including Customer Owned Bank of the Year, Best Flexibility – Home Loans, Best Rewards Credit Card and Lender of the Year (Customer Owned Bank) – Car Loans.
These awards have bolstered their existing product and service recognition from Canstar, Mozo, and RateCity. Burdekin Area Manager, Debbie Szendrey, reinforces how the ongoing awards from numerous independent bodies in recent years affirm the success of their member-first model.
“In the face of widespread branch closures in regional Queensland, our ability to reinvest profits directly back into the communities we serve instead of paying dividends to shareholders is what sets us apart.” Said Ms. Szendrey.
“In light of the regional banking inquiry and as concerns over cost-of-living escalate, maintaining the trust and reliability of our members has never been more important.”
People are becoming more cautious about their banking choices and Ms. Szendrey congratulates Queensland Country Bank for meeting the growing and evolving needs of the Burdekin community.
“As banking preferences evolve, so do we,” she added. “Our focus on enhancing our online banking services is a direct response to Member feedback and the growing demand for digital banking solutions.”
Despite the more recent surge in online banking, Ms. Szendrey noted that personal interaction remains invaluable, especially in a small regional community like Burdekin.
The busy, bustling queues of Queensland Country Bank are what sets it apart from the empty buildings of other banks in the country and provides a real sense of community, with many locals gathering there to receive their financial support.
“We understand the importance of offering face-to-face services in a close-knit community like the Burdekin, where our members value having the option to visit the branch for that in-person contact,” she added.
Ms Szendrey emphasised how the bank is committed to ensuring the members have access to the financial solutions and support, whether online or in person.
Queensland Country Bank’s people-first approach also extends to its employees, with the bank even earning the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification a second consecutive year.
“The essence of being a member-owned bank is to put people ahead of profits and this extends to our employees who not only live and breathe such values but are also integral members of the Burdekin community,” Ms Szendrey added. She continues by adding that “In this ever-changing financial climate, we’re looking forward to continuing to support the Burdekin community for many years to come.”

Caption: Left to right: Chris Toumazou (Loans Specialist), Debbie Szendrey (Area Manager), Zoe Blakoe (Loans Officer) and Clarke Grogan (Assistant Manager). Photo supplied.

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