Regional Australia Bank has officially merged with Summerland Bank, creating a combined customer-owned banking network spanning regional New South Wales and southeast Queensland.
The two mutual banks came together as one organisation on Wednesday, 1 July, in what both banks describe as a significant step for member-owned banking in the regions.
Chief Executive Officer of the combined organisation, David Heine, said the merger reflected a shared ambition to strengthen regional Australia.
“This is a natural step for two organisations with aligned values and a deep commitment to the communities we serve,” Mr Heine said.
“Together, we can do more — backing regional Australians, investing in our communities and delivering long-term value for our members.”
The combined bank now operates 49 branches across regional NSW and southeast Queensland, employing more than 450 people in regional communities. Both Regional Australia Bank, headquartered on Madgwick Drive in Armidale, and Summerland Bank will continue to operate under their existing brands during the transition period, with no immediate changes to members’ accounts, cards or services.
Summerland Bank’s former CEO, John Williams, who now becomes Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Strategy) of the combined organisation, said the focus had been on making sure members felt confident through the change.
“This is about building a better banking experience for our members,” Mr Williams said.
“We’ve taken a careful and considered approach to make sure the transition on 1 July is steady, with no disruption to members’ day-to-day banking.”
Both banks say the increased scale will allow greater investment in digital banking technology, products and services tailored to regional customers, and community partnerships and local initiatives, including an expansion of the Community Partnership Program, which supports local clubs, schools and community groups through everyday banking.
The merger follows a member vote in November 2025, with more than 96 per cent of members from both organisations voting in favour of the proposal.
The combined entity will continue to operate as a customer-owned bank, with any further changes to be communicated to members well in advance.
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