Well how quick did that come up on us?? These past few months have just flown by – in fact the whole of 2008 is a little bit of a blur, such has been the pace of happenings.

As 2008 comes to a close, I’m sure it will be remembered as the year when events from the other side of the world sent shock waves through most developed economies and in some cases pushed overseas financial services systems to the brink of collapse.

Thankfully here in Australia we have been spared the full force of the global financial crises due mainly to our robust banking/credit union/building society sector and the high levels of prudent risk management activities adopted by all of us in the sector.

None-the-less it has been a tough year and one that I will be pleased to see the back end of.

This will be my last blog for the year as I’m taking a few weeks off on leave.

I would like to wish everyone all the best for the festive season. Enjoy the Christmas cheer, stay safe on the roads and have fun.

Regards

Ray

December 25th, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

We’re building stronger products for our members and future members through feedback and discussion.

A home loan is possibly the most significant financial commitment you’ll ever make. So we’d like to know what you’d like to see in a home loan. What features, facilities, service or other suggestions would you like?

Leave a comment below. We’ll take it on board and see what we can do,

Paul Roderique
Lending Manager

December 24th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

We’re building stronger products for our members and future members through feedback and discussion.

Personal loans are great for buying important items like your next car, financing a dream holiday or perhaps reorganising your finances in to a more manageable state.

So we’d like to know what you’d like to see in a personal loan. What features, facilities, service or other suggestions would you like?

Leave a comment below. We’ll take it on board and see what we can do,

Paul Roderique
Lending Manager

December 24th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

I recently attended the annual AJ Edden Charity Golf Day, which aims to raise funds for special needs children. This year at the Shortland Waters Golf Club the event raised over $25,000 with donations going to Cameron Park School, Glendon School, SIDS and the Hunter Orthopaedic School.

The event has been running for 12 years with approx. $350,000 raised over this time to help the special needs children. This is a great example of how our Hunter Community can come together to help with a needy cause, and an event I have been proud to be a part of and contribute to on behalf of Companion Credit Union.

A quick plug- an event like this wouldn’t be successful without the preparation, organisation, and dedication that Peter Hiscox of AJ Edden and his team of helpers put in and having the support of Mark Richards and Gary Harley and we can’t forget the support of all the businesses and people who donate to this worthy cause.

Congrat’s again on Peter on this successful event and we look forward to being with you again in the coming years! (as always I am hoping for a better result…)

Mark

Results from the day: Click Here

December 15th, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Members that are having difficulty accessing the new web site or the online banking site/statements at www.companion.com.au should check some or all of the following:

Members should check that any security software installed on the PC knows that the internet banking site is a trusted site, the other thing that they need to do is to place the web banking site into the “Allowed web sites” for popups (for statements).

Add the Online Banking Site to the Allowed Sites / Pop ups (Internet Explorer 6)  

• In Internet Explorer click on the “Tools” menu at the top of the screen
• Select “Internet Options” from the drop down menu
• Click on the Security Tab in the Internet Options Dialog box
• Click on the “Settings” button in the pop up blocker section
• Type https://is2.cuviewpoint.net/ into the Address of Web site to allow box, Click on the Add Button, Click close

 Make the Companion Internet Banking Site a Trusted Site (Internet Explorer 6)

• In Internet Explorer click on the “Tools” menu at the top of the screen
• Select “Internet Options” from the drop down menu
• Click on the Security Tab in the Internet Options Dialog box
• Click on the Trusted Sites Icon
• Click on the “Sites” button
• In the “Add this web site to the zone” box, type in https://is2.cuviewpoint.net/
• Click on the “Add” button
• Click on the “OK” button
• Click on the “OK” button

Clear the Cookies and Delete the temporary internet files (Internet Explorer 6)
In Internet Explorer click on the “Tools” menu at the top of the screen

• Select “Internet Options” from the drop down menu
• Click on the Delete Cookies Button (then the OK button)
• Click on the Delete Files Button (Place a tick in the “Delete all offline content”, then the OK button)

Any further quries consult our ‘Trouble Shooting’ page on www.companion.com.au or consult your local IT specialist

D.Wilcox
IT Manager
Companion Credit Union

December 11th, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

I would just like everyone to know, what exceptional service I received at the Belmont branch of companion from Greg Davis, I am a first home buyer had no idea what to do in regards to buying my first home. I saw Greg and he went out of his way to not only work out how much I could borrow but also explained to me how the first home owners grant worked with the $21,000 grant and he also let me know that I was eligible for an additional $3,000 from the NSW government. I have now exchanged contracts on an apartment within the Royal Newcastle development.

Thanks heaps to companion and in particular Greg Davis at the Belmont branch

Regards,

D. Thomas
Companion Credit Union Member

December 11th, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

So, it’s finally over (so say our wives).
In fact though, I think us boys secretly enjoyed the “Manscaping” over the great month of Movember, once we got through the dreaded week two itch.

Chopper, Boonie and Magnum P.I. would have been proud of the efforts put in.

A great effort of support by Companion Members and staff has ensured that we contributed well to the great causes of Movember.

We are incredibly proud to let all our great supporters that between us all, we have raised $1800.70, which will be winging its way to Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

One thing is for sure, with 11 months until the great month of Movember 2009 comes around, we will be looking for more participants to help us “Change the face of men’s health”.

Adam AKA Magnun PIPaul AKA Chopper

Mark AKA The Tortoise shell

Paul

Thank you all so much for your great support.
Mo’Bros,
Paul, Mark and Adam.
www.au.movember.com

December 8th, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

I am excited to announce our website www.companion.com.au has been re launched. Our website is becoming one of the most common forms of contact our members have with us so we thought it was only fair that we gave you a fantastic online service just for you.

I know you are all going to love this site. It’s been designed to make life easy for you to get the info you need when you need it. Don’t forget if you want to speak to someone in person you can visit our branches or contact us right here through our blog,

Ray

December 5th, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

I’m a mum with a mortgage and 3 boys (4 if you include the hubby!). Over the last month with interest rates reducing I’ve found myself asking- WHAT recession?

With more money in my pocket from reduced interest rates I’ve been doing my very best to restimulate the economy (a certain major retailer D…J…..is benefiting from this!)

But seriously with most mortgage holders $400-500 better off a month, I am asking you what recession?? Where are we feeling it?

Me I’m loving the low interest rates I will try and restrain myself…

Jan

December 3rd, 2008 | 3 Comments »