International Credit Union Day, Thursday 17 October, celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. It provides an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, achievements and member experience. The theme for 2024 is “One World Through Cooperative Finance”. At a time when the world seems increasingly divided, this day serves as a reminder of our shared vision to bring people together with our guiding principles embedded in mutuality and community spirit.
Celebrating cooperative values
Financial co-operatives, such as credit unions, building societies and mutual banks, were formed when groups of like-minded workers and communities came together to make a difference to the community.
Founded in 1959 as the Public Works Department Staff Co-operative, G&C Mutual Bank has grown to become one of Australia’s strongest mutual banks. We are proud to be a part of the global cooperative movement that puts people first, and we're dedicated to providing our members with exceptional products and services while actively contributing to the betterment of our community.
Our commitment to community extends beyond the world of finance. We are proud to sponsor NSW Ambulance through their Employee of the Year Awards. We also support the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) which represents our commitment to social responsibility and community development. AMF supports disadvantaged Australian children and youth in partnership with Barnardos Australia. AMF also assists remote and disadvantaged communities in impoverished Southeast Asian and South Pacific countries to alleviate poverty through the creation of sustainable financial co-operatives via a partnership with the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU).
Member first approach
Putting people first and helping our community are central to G&C Mutual Bank’s ethos. We strive to help our members and be there for them when they need us most. We’ve stood by our members though droughts, fires, recessions, and the hardships of COVID-19.
Award-winning products
Our products continue to be recognised with awards from industry experts for their outstanding value and quality. We have also specially designed products to support first homebuyers, refinances, and essential workers with their path to home ownership.
Mutually valuable banking for people and planet
As a mutual bank, we’re always striving to make a positive impact and we are committed to a more sustainable future for our members and their communities. Through our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan and our Responsible Banking Policy.
We are an Associate Member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, one of only four Australian banks in this network, promoting a positive, viable banking model that’s focused on meeting human needs and sustainability.
G&C Mutual Bank also became the first financial institution globally to be accredited under the Mutual Value Measurement (MVM) Framework, designed to help mutual organisations measure their total value creation (mutual value).
Our growth and evolution
We have always remained true to our proud origins and history, as we continue to evolve and grow through mergers, transformations and the changing financial services landscape.
As we reflect on our 65 years of banking on your community, and look towards the future, G&C Mutual Bank remains steadfast in our commitment to empowering our members and advancing financial well-being through cooperative values.
Find out more about how cooperatives build a better future for all, as we approach 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, as declared by the United Nations. We’re excited to build on our strong history and create a brighter future, together.
