1. Companion staff recognised internationally

    Cas Scott and WOCCU President & CEO, Pete Crear

    Cas Scott and WOCCU President & CEO, Pete Crear

    Cas Scott, Direct Marketing Manager, was recognised internationally at the recent World Credit Union Conference held in Las Vegas.

    In 2009 Cas won the Australian Emerging Leader Award which recognises emerging credit union leaders with a scholarship to attend a conference of their choice. Cas elected to attend the 2010 World Credit Union Conference, where she went on to win the World Credit Unions Young Persons Award. As a result she will attend the 2011 World Credit Union Conference in Scotland.

    Congratulations Cas in winning your award!

    Posted on November 24, 2010 Community Hunter Region - NSW Riverina Region - NSW 1 Comment

  2. Time to Share the Difference

    Comes Back To YouIn today’s economic climate the focus on competitiveness and choice between financial institutions has increased. However, many Australian’s do not know exactly what alternatives to the big banks are available in the market. Recently, Channel 9′s Today highlighted the differences between banks compared to credit unions. The Credit Union and Building Society Group has some important facts on credit unions and why members share the difference:

    - Credit unions have the Government guarantee on deposits – so your money is backed by the Australian Government.
    - Our customers are our owners, so we focus on what’s best for our members – not share price movements. As mutuals, we are not under pressure to take risks to maximise record returns for shareholders. We put your interests first.
    - Mutuals deliver through competitive rates, fairer fees, and responsible lending. Mutuals regularly top the independent surveys on best rates on deposits and loans. Independent analysis by InfoChoice commissioned by Abacus showed that you could save over $30,000 over the life of a loan if you choose a credit union or building society rather than a major bank.

    To find out how you can Share the Difference visit our website. You can also check out the Credit Union and Building Society Group and Abacus to see how we stack up against the banks.

    Posted on November 22, 2010 Financial News & Updates Money Expert Leave a Comment

  3. Laying the foundation for strong community support

    L-R: Robert Keogh, Gary Green, Chris Doogan, Peter Gogarty and Ray O'Brien presenting the cheque to RDANSW's Malcolm Storey (centre)

    L-R: Robert Keogh, Gary Green, Chris Doogan, Peter Gogarty and Ray O'Brien presenting the cheque to RDANSW's Malcolm Storey (centre)

    The opportunity to raise and distribute funds directly to the communities in which it operates has prompted Companion Credit Union to establish a locally focused support fund through its parent company Community CPS Australia.

    Launched on 9 November 2010, the Hunter Region fund of the Community CPS Foundation will provide clear means to positively impact the local community by providing much-needed support for local causes.

    Community CPS Chief Executive Officer, Robert Keogh, presented the fund’s first grant – a $5000 donation that will enable Riding for the Disabled Association NSW Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter to buy a specialist horse. Riding for the Disabled (RDA) NSW provides people with a disability with the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected to horse riding.

    “Companion Credit Union has long been a passionate supporter of, and contributor to, initiatives that make a real and tangible difference to the Hunter Valley community,” said State Manager, Chris Blight.

    A cheque for $30,000 was also presented to Camp Quality off the back of a successful community partnership. The funds consisted of a Foundation grant, member and public donations and proceeds from staff fundraisers in NSW. This will see 35 kids given the opportunity to attend Camp Quality’s Recreational Program, where cancer takes a back seat so kids can be kids again.

    Community CPS will allocate a percentage of its net profit after tax to the Foundation, with further fundraising to be achieved through the commitment of the business and wider communities.

    “Through this Foundation we can help change lives, even in small ways, and to us that’s an absolute privilege. We’re strongly committed to making a difference,” Mr Blight said.

    Posted on November 15, 2010 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment