Across regional Australia, farmers are finding new ways to strengthen their businesses, improve resilience, and create long-term value for their communities.
Diversification, value-adding and tourism are becoming essential to how regional businesses grow and adapt.
In Batlow, NSW, third-generation apple grower Dave Purcell has brought that thinking to life through the Apple Thief Cider House, transforming fruit from his family orchard into a destination that is driving tourism, creating jobs and supporting the local economy.
Following the Black Summer bushfires, Dave and his partner Mel Dickson were driven to rebuild something meaningful for the region that raised them.
“Crisis was the catalyst. We wanted to rebuild something that would give back to the region.”
Like many regional operators, they found traditional lending models struggled to recognise the value of a business built on seasonal income, diversification and long-term community impact.
Instead of applying metropolitan benchmarks, Regional Australia Bank took the time to understand the business, the region and the opportunity.
“Metro parameters don’t work in the regions.”
Today, the Apple Thief Cider House is helping position Batlow as a destination, supporting local producers, creating employment and contributing to the broader regional economy.
Regional Australia Bank’s approach is built around understanding how regional businesses actually operate. From seasonal cash flow to diversified income streams, lending structures need to reflect real conditions, not standardised benchmarks.
For business owners looking to grow, adapt or invest in new opportunities, having a banking partner who understands those realities can make all the difference.
