Board of Directors

The Mutual Bank's Board is elected by, accountable to, and proudly represents our members.

Trevor Robinson 

Trevor Robinson joined the Board of The Mutual Bank in 2010 and was appointed its Chairman in 2014. He is also the Chairman of The Mutual Bank’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee and a member of its Risk Committee, IT Committee, and Insurance Committee.

Trevor’s extensive career in law saw him specialise in banking and financial services. As a partner at Clayton Utz for 20 years, Trevor was head of their Retail Banking group and was, more recently, head of their Structured Capital Markets group, specialising in securitisation.

Now retired, Trevor is also a Director of Maple-Brown Abbott Limited, a privately-owned Australian investment management company.

Trevor holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of New South Wales.

Bruce Arnott

Bruce Arnott joined the Board of The Mutual Bank in 2013 and is Chairman of The Mutual Bank’s Audit Committee and a member of The Mutual Bank’s Risk Committee, and Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Having more than 30 years’ experience working in senior financial management positions at some of the region’s largest companies, Bruce brings his exceptional financial expertise to The Mutual Bank Board.

In his last executive role, Bruce was the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at Hunter based, publicly listed engineering company, Bradken. As a former Director and Vice Chairman of Phoenix (NSW) Credit Union, Bruce has a thorough understanding of member-based, mutual organisations.

Bruce is also a Director and current Chairman of Phoenix Health Fund Limited, a member-owned private health fund, and a Director of Merewether Golf Club Limited.

Bruce holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle and is a member of CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Melinda Smith‑Coates

Melinda Smith-Coates joined the Board of The Mutual Bank in 2014 and is Chairman of The Mutual Bank’s Insurance Committee and a member of The Mutual Bank’s IT Committee, Audit Committee, and Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

After more than three decades working as a journalist, news presenter, and radio broadcaster, Melinda moved into executive management roles in corporate and public affairs, before establishing a bespoke public relations and strategic communication consultancy.

Melinda is currently an Advisory Board Member of The University of Newcastle MBA Program, 2NURFM Radio, and is a founding and life member of Mentor Support Network. She has also been an active committee member and supporter of several other charity and community organisations.

Melinda holds a Master of Business (Distinction) graduating from The University of Newcastle and is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Steve Meyn

Steve Meyn joined the Board of The Mutual Bank in 2018 and is Chairman of The Mutual Bank’s Risk Committee and IT Committee, and a member of The Mutual Bank’s Audit Committee, and Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Steve is the Managing Director of PKF Newcastle and Sydney and works within the Business Advisory team. With more than 30 years’ experience as an accountant and business adviser, Steve has developed specific expertise in the field of IT consulting, business, and strategic planning.

Steve is a Board Member of PKF Australia Pty Ltd and PKF Asia Pacific, as well as an Advisory Board Member to several businesses and local charity, Harry Meyn Foundation Ltd.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ).

Deb Mirisch

Deb Mirisch joined the Board of The Mutual Bank in 2020 and is a member of The Mutual Bank’s Audit Committee, and Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Deb is the owner of Biz Synergy, a local bookkeeping and internal accounting firm, providing clients solutions to pain points that inhibit business growth, such as timely and accurate financial information.

With more than 25 years of experience as an accountant, Deb brings a wealth of financial expertise to the Board, along with her in-depth knowledge of the local business landscape.

Deb is also a Director and Honorary Secretary of not-for-profit NDIS registered provider, The Mai-Wel Group.

Deb holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle, is a Registered BAS Agent, a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and the Maitland Business Chamber.

Sharon Howes

Sharon Howes joined the Board of The Mutual Bank in 2020 and is a member of The Mutual Bank’s Risk Committee, and Remuneration and Nominations Committee.

Sharon is a Partner at Intelligite, a consultancy that specialises in auditing organisational culture, risk culture, conduct, and non-financial risk; and, is Managing Director at business advisory company, AblesonHowes and Associates.

Sharon has had an extensive executive leadership career spanning manufacturing, energy, and resources; in private, listed and government sectors. Sharon also has significant experience as a Non-Executive Director, including over 20 years served in the mutual banking sector in the Hunter Region.

Sharon holds a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma of Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.