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Growing stronger for regional Australia

Last updated: October 2026

Strong communities deserve strong banking

I've always believed regional communities deserve a bank that understands them.

A bank that knows local people. A bank that invests back into local communities. And a bank that's committed to being here for the long term.

That's why Regional Australia Bank has continued to grow by bringing together customer-owned banks that share those same values.

Growth isn't about becoming bigger for the sake of it. It's about strengthening our ability to support our members, invest in our people and continue making a positive difference in the communities we serve.

Because when regional communities thrive, we all benefit.

The thing I love most about member-owned banking is that success doesn't stop with the bank. It flows back into the communities we serve. The stronger we become, the more we can invest in our people, support local communities and deliver the good that money can do.
- David Heine, Chief Executive Officer

Growth with purpose

Our growth strategy is about protecting and strengthening member-owned banking across regional Australia.

By bringing together banks with similar values, we can build the scale and resilience needed to keep investing in secure technology, competitive products, access to local branches and the people who support our members every day.

We can also extend the reach of the programs and partnerships that make a practical difference in regional communities. Every member who chooses to bank with us helps build that strength. The more members choose to bank with us, the more we can give back.

That's why the next chapter of our growth is not just about banking. It's about creating more opportunities to support the communities we call home.

The good that money can do

One of the clearest examples of member-owned banking in action is our Community Partnership Program.

Through the program, everyday banking helps generate ongoing support for local clubs, schools, charities and community organisations. Members nominate an approved organisation they want to support, and the bank makes an annual contribution based on the average balance held in eligible accounts, at no additional cost to the member.

What makes the program special is that the decisions are not made in head office.

Our members know their communities best. They know which organisations are making a difference and where support can do the greatest good. Our local teams then bring the program to life in their own communities, in their own way.

To us, that is what member-owned banking looks like. The bank provides the support, but the community helps decide where it can do the most good.

If your organisation is not yet part of the program, or you would like your banking to support a local cause, find out how you can get involved.

What happens next?

Our growth journey continues across two distinct areas. Here is what members need to know.

Merger with Summerland Bank

Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank are now one organisation, while continuing to serve members through their established brands and banking channels.

Work continues behind the scenes to bring systems, processes, products and services together carefully. This will happen gradually, with a focus on making the experience as clear and well supported as possible for members.

  • Your existing accounts, cards and everyday banking continue to work as they do today.
  • Continue using your current branch, online banking and Mobile Banking App.
  • You do not need to take any action unless we contact you directly.
  • If something changes, we will explain what is changing, when it will happen and whether you need to do anything.

Read the Summerland Bank integration FAQs

Proposed merger with SWSbank

Regional Australia Bank and SWSbank are proposing to merge, bringing together two customer-owned regional banks with shared values, strong local relationships and a commitment to regional communities.

The proposal has received regulatory approval to progress to a member vote. SWSbank members will vote on the proposed merger at the SWSbank Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2026.

If SWSbank members approve the proposal and the remaining requirements are satisfied, the merger is expected to take effect on 1 April 2027.

There are no immediate changes for Regional Australia Bank members, and Regional Australia Bank members are not required to vote.

Read the SWSbank FAQs

Merger Updates Snapshot


Summerland integration

Proposed SWSbank merger

What this means for Regional Australia Bank members

Merger effective from 1 July 2026

Regulatory approval received to progress to a member vote

No immediate changes to accounts or services

Systems, products and processes are being aligned gradually

SWSbank member vote: 19 November 2026

Regional Australia Bank members do not vote

Members continue using their current brand, branch and banking channels

Expected effective date: 1 April 2027, subject to approval and remaining requirements

We will communicate clearly before any future change

Community Partnership Program available in the Summerland footprint

Organisations continue to operate separately before completion

Local service and community support remain priorities

A history of growth through partnership

Regional Australia Bank has grown by joining with member-owned organisations that share a commitment to members and regional communities. Each partnership has helped strengthen our reach, capability and ability to invest in regional Australia.

Year

Milestone

1969

New England Staff Credit Union established

2004

Merged with Peel Valley Credit Union

2009

Merged with Orana Credit Union

2010

Merged with Hunter Mutual

2019

Merged with Holiday Coast Credit Union

2025

Merged with Macquarie Credit Union

2026

Merged with Summerland Bank

Proposed 2027

Proposed merger with SWSbank

Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank Integration FAQs

Proposed SWSbank merger FAQs

Need help?

If you have questions about what these updates mean for your banking, our team is here to help.

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