Regional Australia Bank has returned more than $2.79 million to community organisations in 2025, strengthening local clubs, schools, health services, emergency volunteers and grassroots charities across regional Australia.
The result comes through the Bank’s Community Partnership Program (CPP), now in its 22nd year. More than 2,300 organisations benefited in 2025 alone.
How it works
Regional Australia Banks says the CPP is a simple idea that delivers extraordinary results. When members open a Community Partnership Account, they nominate a local organisation they care about. At the end of each financial year, the Bank donates 1 per cent of the member’s average annual account balance, directly from its profits and at no cost to the member, to the nominated group.
This ensures everyday banking becomes real, measurable support for local priorities.
“Through the Community Partnership Program this year, we donated around 13 per cent of our profits back into communities,” said David Heine, CEO of Regional Australia Bank. “That compares with an average of 0.6 per cent from the big four banks, and around 5 per cent from other mutuals. It shows the scale of impact a member-owned bank can deliver when people choose to bank for their community.”
What it means on the ground
“Direct, unconditional financial support is everything to volunteer-run clubs,” said Thomas Benton, Treasurer of the Glen Innes Elks Rugby Club. “The CPP has helped us stay operational and focus on what matters most, community involvement and player development.”
For BackTrack Youthworks, which works with disadvantaged young people in Armidale, the program has been transformational.
“Regional Australia Bank has stood side by side with us,” said founder Bernie Shakeshaft. “It has helped turn a challenging start into a vision that is changing lives throughout Armidale and beyond.”
Looking ahead
Regional Australia Bank plans to continue expanding the CPP in line with the Bank’s growth into more communities across regional Australia.
Now in its 22nd year, the CPP continues to deliver millions of dollars annually, with celebration events held across the Bank’s footprint to recognise the volunteers, leaders and organisations making a difference in every region.
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