Last updated: October 2026
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.
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.
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.
Our growth journey continues across two distinct areas. Here is what members need to know.
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.
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.
|
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 |
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 |
Do I need to do anything?
No. You do not need to take any action. Continue banking as you do today. If a future change affects you, we will contact you clearly and in advance.
Will my accounts, cards or payments change?
There are no immediate changes to your accounts, account numbers, cards, direct debits, payments or current banking access. If anything changes in the future, we will tell you what is changing and whether you need to do anything.
Will my branch stay open?
Yes. Your local branch remains open and you can continue visiting as you do today. Face-to-face banking and familiar local service remain important to us.
Will I still see the same local team?
Yes. The local team you know will continue to support you.
Will online banking or the mobile banking app change?
There are no immediate changes. Continue using your current online banking service and Mobile Banking App. We will provide clear information and support before any future change.
Can Regional Australia Bank members use Summerland Bank branches?
Not yet. The banking systems are not currently connected, so Regional Australia Bank members should continue using Regional Australia Bank branches and channels. We will let you know when broader branch access becomes available.
What is happening behind the scenes?
We are gradually aligning systems, processes, products and services across the combined organisation. Our focus is on improving member value while keeping any transition clear, careful and well supported.
What happens to the Community Partnership Program?
The Community Partnership Program is available across both the Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank footprints. Members can use eligible everyday banking to support an approved community organisation, with the contribution funded by the bank at no additional cost to the member.
How will I hear about future changes?
We will keep members updated through email, our websites, letters and branch communications. If a change affects you directly, we will explain what is changing, when it will happen and what you need to do.
What is happening with SWSbank?
Regional Australia Bank and SWSbank are proposing to merge. The proposal has received regulatory approval to progress to a member vote. SWSbank members will vote at the Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2026.
Why are Regional Australia Bank and SWSbank proposing to merge?
The proposal brings together two customer-owned regional banks with shared values and strong community connections. It is intended to create greater scale, capability and resilience while protecting personal service and local relationships.
Do Regional Australia Bank members need to vote?
No. Regional Australia Bank members are not required to vote on the proposed merger.
When could the proposed merger take effect?
If SWSbank members approve the proposal and the remaining requirements are satisfied, the merger is expected to take effect on 1 April 2027.
Will the proposed merger change my Regional Australia Bank accounts or services?
No immediate changes result from the proposal. Your Regional Australia Bank accounts, services and the way you bank continue as usual.
Can Regional Australia Bank members use SWSbank branches?
Not at this stage. SWSbank and Regional Australia Bank continue to operate separately. If the merger proceeds and future branch access becomes available, we will let members know.
Where can I find more information?
Use the latest SWSbank merger update and SWSbank member information links on this page. We will continue to publish updates as key milestones are reached.
If you have questions about what these updates mean for your banking, our team is here to help.