Alison, Ruth and Rose from the Raymond Terrace Branch

Well done to the Raymond Terrace branch staff for a great effort with their fundraiser BBQ in support of Camp Quality.

On Saturday 3 July Ruth, Alison, Rose and their partners Craig, Mick and Wayne fired up the BBQ to raise funds for the Foundation partnership with Camp Quality supporting their Junior Camps. The funds raised totalled close to $600, a fantastic effort.

We would also like to thank all the local businesses who kindly donated items for the BBQ and raffle:
- Brown’s Butchery
- Bake & Break Cafe Bakery
- Australian Shark and Ray Centre, Port Stephens
- Emily Russell, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
- Pure Surf Industries
- Nunzia Hair & Beauty
- All About You, Hair
- Biondi’s Restaurant

July 6th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

The Bash Crew: John Kopfler (the bash car mechanic & owner of All Care Car Services Kurri), Denise and Andrew Crane with Kurri Branch Manager Maree Henry

Variety the Children’s Charity holds annual Variety Bashes Australia wide. This year 40 cars took part in the 2010 Newcastle Variety Bash which began on Sunday 16 May at Spears Point and, following a week of travelling through NSW towns, finished on Saturday 22 May in Newcastle. Companion Credit Union supported the Bash by sponsoring the car entered by Companion members Andrew and Dee Crane from Kurri Kurri.

The Newcastle Bash raised a net of $300,000 which goes directly to assisting individual children suffering one, or multiple of, 74 different conditions. The support is in the form of specialised equipment and experiences as well as organisational equipment grants to children’s intensive care units, children’s emergency transport services, children’s support and educational organisations.

Variety is a not-for-profit, non-government funded organisation and relies on individual donors, corporate donors and sponsors like Companion to improve the lives of Australian children.

Well done to the Cranes for their effort in this year’s Bash.

June 8th, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

We previously mentioned that over 95% of votes cast by Companion members, voted in favour of the merger of Companion Credit Union and Community CPS Australia. Now we are happy to tell you about some exciting new products, available for our members from 1 January 2010.

New products include;
- Community Account: a transaction account specifically designed for not-for-profit groups such as community and sporting clubs, charities and schools.
- monEsaver Account: a high interest internet and telephone based account.
- Christmas Club Account: a savings account designed to help you save for your Christmas and holiday expenses. It has limited access options outside the festive season to encourage you to keep your money in the account.
- Term Deposits: you can now choose to invest your funds from 3 months up to 5 years
- Lifestyle Rewards: is a reward program for Term Deposit holders. All members will receive an Ambassador Card and Booklet in early January which details discounts at a variety of restaurants, hotels and services.
- Fixed Rate Home Loan: you can now choose to fix your home loan from 1 year up to 5 years
- Enviro Loan: rewards member for purchasing environmentally friendly products by offering a reduced interest rate
- MasterCard: members will be able to choose from a Low Rate and Rewards MasterCard
- Foreign Currency: if you are travelling we will be able to assist you through Travelex foreign exchange.

Members will receive information this week in their member newsletter and full information will be posted on our website in January.

December 7th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

This week shareholding members should start receiving their Member Information Document’s (MID) in the mail. While these documents appear lengthy they are actually very easy to read, and the table of contents makes it easy for you to find the information that is of specific interest to you. E.g. interest rates, constitution, Board of Directors etc.

The MID pack includes;

-          Notice of Annual General Meeting
-          Merger Information Sheet
-          Proxy Form
-          Reply Paid Envelope

You can read the MID in full at our Merger web page.

The aim of the MID is to enable you to make an informed decision when voting on the proposed merger. The Board of Directors and management are unanimous in their support for the merger, and recommend you vote for the resolution relating to the merger.

We urge you to read the information and vote using the enclosed proxy form or in person at the AGM. The AGM is being held at:

25 November 2009
Maitland City Bowling Club, Rutherford
6pm start
RSVP before the 16th November on 49911 744 or agm@companion.com.au

If at any stage you have queries regarding the proposed merger feel free to contact your local branch or myself directly robrien@companion.com.au

Ray

October 19th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

It’s been a while since I first announced the proposed merger with Community CPS, while we have been working furiously behind the scenes I now have some great news to share with you all.

Just this week we reached a significant milestone- APRA signed off on our proposal to merge with Community CPS. This is good news for us as the merger is proceeding as planned. Later this month eligible shareholding members will receive a Member Information pack which outlines the details of the merger. Keep an eye on our websites as we will start updating this with new information over the coming weeks to keep you informed.

If at any stage you have questions regarding the merger feel free to contact your local branch, or myself at robrien@companion.com.au

Ray O’Brien
Chief Executive

October 6th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

At Companion we offer competitive salaries, attractive employment conditions, and a variety of challenging career opportunities in locations throughout the Hunter, Upper Hunter and Gunnedah regions.

We strive to be an employer of choice. We understand that it is important to provide an atmosphere where individuals can strive to perform to their full potential. In order to achieve this we encourage a positive learning culture through comprehensive training and career development initiatives.

If you are interested in a rewarding career with Companion Credit Union, check out our current vacancies and send in your resume  

** We currently have job vacancies, applications close the 9th October 2009**

September 30th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

I thought I’d share with you all a recent incident where one of our members has SMS One Time Passwords, on their internet banking and this service stopped funds being fraudulently debited from their account.

The member out of the blue rec’d a text msg on their registered mobile phone number advising of their online banking password.

The member knew they weren’t accessing it so they contacted their branch to discuss. It now appears their home PC has been infected by a virus and their personal details were passed onto a ‘mule’ to gain access to their account and transfer fund out. Unfortunately others who used the PC for their banking at other Financial Institutions where they didnt have SMS One Time Passwords weren’t so lucky and have lost funds.

Because of the SMS One Time Passwords recently introduced at Companion the ‘mule’ cannot gain access to the account.

This is a good success story and goes to show how this service protects your funds and the inconveience caused through this fraudulent activity.

Mark.B
Executive Manager, Member Services

August 19th, 2009 | 2 Comments »

The Cambodian Leadership Challenge is a fundraising program that is run by CUFA. The challenge involves taking the everyday worker such as me out of their true comfort zone; to participate in a life changing journey.

There are four components for this challenge:
Fundraising, Physical, In Country Project Work, along with Community Service.

My fundraising was a personal achievement for me. It started with selling chocolates to our members, local communities and staff. I contacted local businesses talking to them about my challenge and fundraising, with many letters being sent out.

This pushed me to limits I had never anticipated, taking myself “out of my comfort zone”. We had to raise at least $3000 to participate in the program. By raising the money, many people became aware of CUFA, who it was and what they do, especially the Cambodian Children’s Literacy Program. This is a program that is funded by the CUFA Cambodian leadership Challenge: The program mainly focuses on 7 to 9 year olds in poor regions of Cambodia. There are nearly 6000 children participating in over 156 classes in Battanbang, Prey Veng, Takeo and Kandal Provinces throughout Cambodia. The children are taught how to save, financial literacy skills and eventually open their own savings account at a local savings bank. It is run by local CUFA Project Field Staff.

The Physical Leadership component of the challenge involved riding a push bike through provinces of Cambodia for four and half days riding over 265kms.

Before leaving for Cambodia I had reserved feelings about the bike ride as it had been many years since I rode a bike. But with a few weeks of training and gym work (many spin classes) it helped me achieve what I set out to do.

Arriving in Siem Reap on a very hot and humid afternoon we were fitted for our bikes then went for our first practice ride. Nothing had prepared me for what I was about to encounter; the traffic which I soon learnt “give way to the biggest,” stay on the right of cars, tuk tuks, cyclos and a variety of the animal kingdom passing me by. But with the help from the Raw Travel Boys who supplied our bikes and rode along with us I was eased into the ride and gradually realized to just go with the flow.

As a team of eight people with different occupations, personalities and ages we worked together to form a common goal. It involved a lot of patience, understanding and companionship; making sure we cycled together over 265kms. We endured pain, temperatures, humidity and many a long ride along main highways and dusty dirty and very bumpy roads.

Each participant had different strengths and weaknesses enabling some to finish earlier than others but always encouraging and urging everyone over the finish line. Along the way we were met by friendly children waving and saying “Hello” from the side of the road.

Our In Country Project Work started in Battambang; visiting two local schools where the Financial Literacy Program is run. We joined in with the children’s lessons. It was very humbling to see the children appreciate our visit. Part of this exercise was Roll playing and Presentations. (Through an interpreter) It was very satisfying to see their smiling faces when receiving a simple ruler or pencil and being so attentive and engaging. Children want to save their money for their future. A new school uniform or further their education or help their parents.

Also while in Battambang we were honoured guests at the opening of a local Savings Bank. This bank is called OMUNY. The local community welcomed us with a fanfare of music and colourful banners, tents and people eager to witness the opening of their new savings bank. After the formalities we were treated to local cuisine and traditional Khmer dancing and a tour of the savings bank. It was a privilege for each participant to open an account at the Bank.

While visiting the villages we had a greater appreciation and insight into their everyday living. Through talking to local village people, we heard of their hardship and struggles within their everyday life and how the project that CUFA is running enables them to live a better quality of life.

The Cambodian Leadership Challenge has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone; from fundraising; to project work and community development. The opportunity has given me a broader world view of a culture that has strengthened from such horrendous history arising from the Khmer Rouge Regime. The smiles on their faces give hope to a better quality of life in the future.

I have learned that we all have different strengths and weaknesses. We all worked towards a common goal, each participant bringing their individual ideas, giving us the ability to develop, participate and allowing us to have increased awareness and confidence within ourselves.

This has been an exciting, adventurous and very rewarding challenge. I have returned with increased knowledge, enthusiasm and team building skills I can utilize on my return to the workplace. I can share my knowledge and awareness of the work Credit Unions are doing overseas.

I would like to thank CUFA for allowing me to participate in this challenge also a big thank you to CUNA Mutual for their sponsorship to allow the program to run.
Thank you to Companion Credit Union for sponsoring me to participate in the challenge. To the staff, family and friends for your support and donations who have encouraged and helped me achieve this amazing journey on the Cambodian Leadership Challenge 2009. I hope I can inspire other staff members to take up this challenge in 2010.

A Few Things I Have Learnt.
*Water is precious and never to be taken for granted again.
*Some people overcame their fears by eating cooked spiders –Tarantulas (and some didn’t).
*You don’t need material things to be happy.
*Angkor beer is pretty good.
*Air conditioning is wonderful.
*I didn’t need my handmade padded bike seat by the end of the ride.

Thank you (Or Kun)
CHRISTINE AUSTIN
MEMBER SERVICE CONSULTANT
COMPANION CREDIT UNION

'local children enjoying the Financial Literacy Program'

'Enjoying the beautiful scenery'

'The crew from Raw Travel who supplied the bikes & rode the whole journey'

'Tarantula - The tastes of Cambodia'

'The Cambodian Leadership Challenge Team'

'The end of the road'

August 4th, 2009 | 3 Comments »

I promised you all I would update you on my Cambodian Challenge progress so you can see how my fundraising and fitness is progressing. So far I have raised about $3,095 with the help from some great local businesses who I would like to acknowledge- Companion Credit Union, Bridges Financial Planning, Cowan Manufacturing, Rebel Sport, Maitland Hire Rutherford, Rennie Golledge Pty Ltd and CUNA Mutual Group. Also a big thanks to my colleagues at Companion Credit Union who have been helping to sell (OR eat) my fundraising chocolates- thanks for your support.

My training has been getting more intense as I prepare for the trip, I did an 8km bike ride to Largs the other day but I need to increase my distance, I have also been hitting the gym with Spin Class and Body Blitz and boy I am feeling every bit of it! I had to go and buy those padded bike pants as the seat on my push bike is vicious, but it hasn’t really made any difference to tell the truth…

I attended a Leadership Course last week in Sydney to prepare for the trip and met some of the others that I will be cycling along side of through Cambodia. I leave on the 6th of July which is very soon, and I am getting pretty excited and a little anxious about what lies ahead for me when I arrive in Cambodia. But I am very sure this is the trip of a lifetime and will be benefit many young Cambodians.

Its not too late to donate

Thankyou everyone who has helped me prepare for the Cambodian Challenge and I will see you when I return on the 17th July,

Chris Austin

June 29th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

On Tuesday we announced a proposed merger with Community CPS Australia. If the merger proceeds this will be an exciting step forward for Companion, as we will join one of the largest credit unions in Australia with a combined membership of over 186,000 members.

I am sure you will have a lot of questions, and at this early stage we are still in the process of finalising some of the details. I will endeavour to update you as more becomes available but feel free to ask them directly through our blog or give your local branch manager a call. We will be communicating directly with our members over the coming months, to ensure that everyone understands what it is we are proposing, and the benefits that will flow to our organisation should the merger proceed.

I can tell you a few things have already been established;

- The merger will only proceed after our members have voted on it at the AGM, and legal requirements have been met
- All branches will remain open with the same staff
- We will keep the Companion name for the time being, and become known as Companion Credit Union (a division of Community CPS Australia)
- Community CPS has an enhanced product offering which Companion Credit Union members will benefit from in the future
- The opportunities for career advancement for staff are significant in what will be a much larger entity.

Both Companion and Community CPS are profitable, successful businesses, however to increase our competitiveness in the industry we need the benefits that come from increased scale. This proposed merger will significantly improve the value we provide to our members here in the Hunter and Gunnedah regions, and position us well for future growth.

What excites me most about this proposal is the fact that Community CPS is so closely aligned to the culture and values that are so very much a part of the way we do things at Companion.

We have posted more indepth information on our website and I am more than happy to discuss any questions with you,

Ray

June 3rd, 2009 | Leave a Comment »