Last week, Bendigo Bank in Woombye welcomed its new Branch Manager, Yvonne Arthur. With a career in banking spanning 22 years, Yvonne has an impressive depth of experience and knowledge to share.

“I started out in one of the major banks as a teller and over the years I have experienced all aspects of banking,” said Yvonne.

Yvonne’s last ten years were spent in management in Australia and New Zealand. “But what I have found to be the most rewarding part of my career, irrespective of my official title, is customer service and relations,” she said.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have found this position here on the Sunshine Coast. I have always had a real love for the place and I am looking forward to immersing myself in the community and meeting our customers.”

Throughout her career, Yvonne has been a driving force in running ‘value add’ events for banking customers to educate and assist them to achieve their financial goals faster.

Everyone has different  banking needs

“Everyone is different when it comes to their financial literacy and position in life, and one of the best parts of being immersed in customer service is learning about each customer’s unique position and what their financial and life goals are.   

“It makes me so happy to be able to show people how to pay off home loans or pay down debt faster. I have helped people with aspects of financial management including budgeting tips, protecting what they have worked hard for, using credit cards to their advantage and saving money for specific goals like their next holiday, purchasing a car, or buying their first or next home. I try to get an understanding of each customer’s current situation and from there we can explore their 12 month to 2 year plans. It’s particularly gratifying to support people in the early stages of their planning so that they can achieve their goals faster by being matched with the appropriate product/s. One of the first things I focus on is reviewing existing banking, because it gives me an immediate understanding of how people are using their facilities, and whether or not they are still the most appropriate product, while helping them save time and money.”

Many people are content to set up an account, loan or insurance facility with a ‘set and forget’ mentality, but according to Yvonne, it is important to regularly review your situation to ensure you are getting the best from each of them. “I am keen to meet our customers (existing or new) and I invite them to get in touch with us so we can review their facilities and tailor them if necessary,” she said. 

Customers value personal relationships 

“I am very hands on in practice and it is important to me that our customers find me accessible. Our entire team is skilled and experienced and it is always our aim to be accessible to our customers. 

“It has been my experience that for customers, personal relationships and service are amongst the most highly valued aspects of banking. Not everyone wants to do their banking online, and often all people want is to be able to talk to a real person.”

“Bendigo Bank is a full service bank with the community at heart,” said Stephen Marshall, Chairman of the Community Bank Board.  “So we believe the addition of Yvonne to our team is a perfect fit. Her experience and commitment to service aligns perfectly with the ethos of our bank,” he said.

Over the coming months, Yvonne will be getting out in the community to meet with community groups and organisations, and past recipients of Bendigo Bank grants and scholarships.

“As a little girl, I was never interested in playing with dolls, but I always loved counting and playing with coins,” Yvonne laughed. “I hope that through relationship building and education, I can impart that same interest and enjoyment to our customers.”

• You can call Yvonne on 0431 995 184, but as her diary is quickly filling with appointments with banking customers, your best option is to make an appointment at the Branch to meet with her in person by calling 5442 1311.