News

For five vibrant days, the heart of Maitland came alive as more than 50 cultures and nations came together for one of the region’s most colourful and meaningful community celebrations.  Held from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 October 2026, Maitland Riverlights brought food, music, performances, art and cultural traditions to venues across the city. The celebrations culminated in a free main event at The Levee in Central Maitland on Saturday 10 October.  As presenting partner, The Mutual Bank was proud to once again support an event that brought people together and celebrated the many cultures, backgrounds and stories that make our region stronger.    A world of culture in the heart of Maitland  Across the five-day program, residents and visitors took part in cultural workshops, discovered new languages and stories, and explored creative traditions at venues including Maitland’s libraries and Maitland Regional Art Gallery.  The main event featured more than 20 cultural villages, traditional food, live performances and fashion from around the world. Visitors also collected Cultural Passports and gathered stamps as they explored the different villages.  As the sun set, the celebrations continued along the Hunter River with the Riverlights parade, lantern flotilla and a spectacular light show.  The Mutual Bank's tent was a popular stop for young festival-goers who proudly presented their completed Cultural Passports. After visiting every cultural village and collecting their stamps, children received a piggy bank and a $20 voucher towards a Mighty Mutual Kids Account. Beyond rewarding their curiosity and participation, the initiative helped introduce the value of saving and gave children a practical start on their financial journey.      Supporting the community we call home  The Mutual Bank was founded by local people more than 138 years ago with a simple purpose: to keep investment in the Hunter and help the community prosper. Today, that purpose continues through the Bank’s support for local events and initiatives that strengthen connections and help the region thrive.  For CEO Mark Williams, Riverlights reflects what strong communities are built on.  “At The Mutual Bank, we believe strong communities are built through connection, understanding and shared experiences. Events like Riverlights create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate what makes us unique and strengthen the sense of belonging that helps our community thrive.”  Riverlights brought activity into Maitland’s city centre, supported local businesses and celebrated the growing diversity of the community. It is why The Mutual Bank was proud to take part not only as a presenting partner, but as a local neighbour, supporter and champion of the region.  Riverlights also hosted Maitland’s annual Australian Citizenship Ceremony, where the city’s newest citizens made their citizenship pledge and were formally welcomed as Australians. Set against the colour and culture of the festival, the ceremony marked an important milestone and celebrated the stories, experiences and traditions each new citizen brings to the Maitland community.    A celebration to remember  Families and friends explored the cultural villages, discovered new traditions and shared in the food, music and entertainment that make Riverlights such a special part of the Maitland calendar.  The celebration was a reminder that while our stories and traditions may be different, it is the connections we create that bring us together as one community.  The Mutual Bank thanks everyone who helped make Maitland Riverlights 2026 a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and community.  Maitland Riverlights is presented by Maitland City Council and The Mutual Bank, with funding support from the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW.  

Your internet banking password is one of the first lines of defence between your money and a scammer.  Scammers are becoming more convincing, often pretending to be from trusted organisations, businesses, banks or even people you know. In some cases, they may try to trick people into sharing personal details, clicking a link or providing information that could help them access an account.  While no password can stop every scam, a strong and unique password makes it much harder for someone to access your internet banking if your details are ever exposed through a scam, phishing message or data breach.  That is why it is worth taking a few minutes to check whether your internet banking password is still doing its job.    When did you last change your password?  If you have not changed your internet banking password in a while, now is a good time to update it.  Older passwords can sometimes be shorter, easier to guess or reused across multiple websites and accounts. This can increase the risk of unauthorised access, especially if the same password has been used elsewhere.  A stronger password gives you another layer of protection and helps keep your banking safer.    What makes a strong password?  A strong password should be hard for someone else to guess and different from the passwords you use for other accounts.  When creating a new password, it is best to choose one that is:  Unique to your internet banking  Not used for any other account  Difficult for someone else to guess  Not based on personal details, such as your name, birthday, address, pet’s name or family member’s name  Long and complex enough to meet current password requirements  A longer password or passphrase can often be easier for you to remember, while still being difficult for someone else to guess.    Why unique passwords matter  Many people reuse the same password across different websites, apps and online accounts. It might feel convenient, but it can create risk.  If a password used on another website is ever exposed, scammers may try that same password on other accounts, including email, social media and banking.  Using a unique password for internet banking helps reduce this risk. It means that if another account is compromised, your banking password is not automatically exposed as well.    How to update your internet banking password safely  If you decide to update your internet banking password, always do it through a secure channel.  You can update your password by logging in through The Mutual Bank’s official website or the Mutual App.  To stay safe:  Do not click on links in unexpected emails or text messages  Type our website address directly into your browser or use the Mutual App  Never share your password with anyone  Never share your one-time passcode or security code  Contact us directly if you are unsure whether a message is genuine  The Mutual Bank will never ask you to tell us your internet banking password, security code or one-time passcode.    Be alert to impersonation scams  Impersonation scams can be difficult to spot because scammers often sound professional, helpful or urgent. They may claim there is a problem with your account, a suspicious transaction, a failed payment or a security issue that needs immediate action.  If someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your password, one-time passcode, account access or personal banking details, stop and take a moment before doing anything.  A genuine organisation will not pressure you to share your password or security codes.  If something does not feel right, end the conversation and contact us directly using our official contact details.    A small step that can make a big difference  Updating your password only takes a few minutes, but it can make a meaningful difference to your online security.  A strong, unique internet banking password helps protect your account, your money and your peace of mind.  If you have not changed your password recently, we encourage you to log in through The Mutual Bank’s official website or the Mutual App and update it today.    Need help?  If you are unsure how to update your internet banking password, or you are concerned your account details may have been shared with someone else, please contact The Mutual Bank as soon as possible.  We are here to help you stay safe.    Read more on how you can strengthen your internet banking password here: Internet Banking Passwords

The Mutual Bank will make changes to its deposit and lending interest rates following the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision on 29 September 2026 to increase the official cash rate by 0.25% p.a. to 4.60% p.a.   “The Mutual Bank’s interest rates remain under regular review, to ensure we remain both competitive and sustainable,” said Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill.   “We seek to balance the needs of both our depositor and borrower Customers, by delivering consistently competitive rates across our range of products,” he said.     Term Deposits   Interest rates on several Term Deposit products will increase, effective 2 October 2026.   Savings Accounts   Interest rates on our key Savings products, Internet Saver, Bonus Saver and Mighty Mutual will increase by 0.25% p.a., effective 1 November 2026.   Home Loan and Business Lending Changes    For existing borrowers:    Variable interest rates – including Owner Occupied and Investment Home Loans, Business, and Commercial loans – will increase by 0.25% p.a. from 14 October 2026. Customers will receive written notification outlining their new repayments.      Support for Customers Experiencing Financial Pressure     Mr Dunnill encourages Customers affected by the rising cost of living to discuss their loan with our friendly team.   “Please reach out to your Lending Manager, visit a branch or phone our Hunter-based Contact Centre Team on 1300 688 825,” he said.    “Based on your circumstances, our team can assess your eligibility for a range of support options that may be available to you, such as loan deferrals, interest-only periods, or other appropriate relief.”       You can see the full list of The Mutual Bank interest rates across our product range here.    The Mutual Bank is a customer-owned bank headquartered in East Maitland that has been helping people thrive since 1888. 

The Mutual Bank officially opened the doors to its new Cessnock branch this week, with local businesses, community organisations, Customers and civic leaders coming together to celebrate the bank's arrival in the community.   Held at the bank's new branch at 93 Vincent Street, the opening event marked the beginning of a new chapter for The Mutual Bank in Cessnock, one built on local relationships, community partnerships and a shared commitment to helping the region thrive.   Guests included Cessnock Mayor Dan Watton, representatives from Hunter Region Business Hub, Carrie's Place and Cessnock Minor Rugby League, alongside local businesses, Customers and community members who gathered to celebrate the occasion.     L-R: Shane Meister, Vice Chair of the Board, Alena Pople, General Manager – The Business Hub, Rebekah Sadlier, Engagement and Communications Manager - Carrie's Place, Stacey Wakeman, Cessnock Branch Manager - The Mutual Bank, Dan Watton, Cessnock City Mayor, Mark Williams, CEO - The Mutual Bank, Dan Ebert, President - Cessnock Goannas and representatives from Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club   The event also recognised the partnerships The Mutual Bank has established in Cessnock ahead of opening, reflecting its commitment to becoming part of the community long before the ribbon was cut.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said the strong turnout reflected the welcoming spirit of the Cessnock community.  "While today was officially about opening a branch, what we're really opening is a door to new conversations, new connections and new opportunities to support the people of Cessnock," Mr Williams said.   "We have been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we've received from local organisations, businesses and community members. The turnout at today's event reinforced why we were so excited to become part of this community."   The new branch will be led by Stacey Wakeman and supported by local team members Rebeca Wynter, Aishnn Iuliano and Cherise Welstead, who will help deliver the personal service The Mutual Bank is known for across the Hunter Region.     The Mutual Bank Cessnock Branch Manager Stacey Wakeman (centre) with Newcastle Knights NRLW players Olivia Higgins (L), Yasmin Meakes (R) and representatives from the Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club.   The Mutual Bank has also begun working closely with community organisations including Carrie's Place, Cessnock Minor Rugby League and Hunter Region Business Hub, partnerships that will continue to grow as the bank establishes its presence in the area.   "Becoming part of a community doesn't happen in a single morning," Mr Williams said.  "It's something that is earned over time through relationships, listening and showing up. We're proud to have opened our doors, but we're even more excited about what comes next."  For The Mutual Bank, the opening represents another step in its long history of supporting Hunter communities through local service, community investment and genuine connection. 

The Mutual Bank, proudly serving the Hunter Region since 1888, will celebrate the official opening of its new Cessnock branch at 93 Vincent St on Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 10am, marking another milestone in its long-standing commitment to helping regional communities thrive.   At a time when many regional bank branches have closed, The Mutual Bank continues to believe in being present, accessible and connected in the communities it calls home. For more than 138 years, the bank has grown alongside Hunter families, local businesses and community organisations, with branches that offer more than banking services. They provide a familiar place for conversations, guidance and support, and a trusted local team customers can turn to when they need it most.   As a customer-owned bank, The Mutual Bank’s commitment to regional communities is grounded in relationships, not transactions. Opening in Cessnock is about meeting the needs of a growing area, supporting regional confidence and ensuring customers continue to have access to local people who understand local opportunities, challenges and aspirations.    As the gateway to the Hunter Valley, Cessnock is a thriving hub for local businesses, tourism and emerging residential communities. Establishing a branch in Cessnock strengthens The Mutual Bank’s ability to support Customers and businesses across the region, while deepening its presence in an area with strong long-term potential.   That momentum makes Cessnock a natural place for The Mutual Bank to invest in local banking access. Like Maitland, the area is welcoming new residents, families and businesses, with developments such as Huntlee Estate helping shape vibrant communities and increase the need for trusted local services.   The new branch will provide a modern and functional environment for Customers, while creating another local base for the bank’s team to build relationships, support businesses and serve the community.    “Regional communities deserve access to banking services that are personal, local and built around their needs. Cessnock is growing, and we want to grow with it. We have already begun building relationships with local organisations that understand this community deeply, and we are proud to stand alongside Customers, businesses and community groups as they help shape Cessnock’s future,” The Mutual Bank CEO Mark Williams said.    The Mutual Bank has already begun building strong community connections in Cessnock, establishing community partnerships with Carrie’s Place, Cessnock Minor Rugby League and Hunter Region Business Hub in the lead-up to its official opening. Representatives from each organisation will attend the event, reflecting the bank’s intent to be part of the community from the beginning and to build relationships well before the ribbon is cut.   Hunter Region Business Hub Acting Chair Shane Meister welcomed the partnership and the bank’s investment in Cessnock. “This partnership brings together two trusted, community-focused organisations with a shared vision for a thriving and connected Hunter, helping local businesses build capability, make valuable connections and grow with confidence,” Mr Meister said.   The official opening will bring together Customers, community partners, local businesses and The Mutual Bank team to mark the bank’s arrival in Cessnock, one grounded in local presence, genuine connection and a long-term commitment to helping the region continue to thrive.  

A great banking product may attract attention, but great service earns trust.  That combination has seen The Mutual Bank recognised on the national stage once again, taking out Term Deposit Account of the Year (Customer-Owned Bank) at the 2026 WeMoney Awards while also earning finalist recognition across five additional categories, including two awards for customer service excellence.  The win marks the second consecutive year The Mutual Bank has received the prestigious term deposit award, reinforcing its position as a leader in delivering value for Members through its customer-owned model.  The award recognises The Mutual Bank's ability to deliver strong value for Australian savers through competitive rates, flexible term options and the confidence of banking with a customer-owned institution. At a time when many Australians are looking for secure ways to grow their savings, the award reinforces The Mutual Bank's commitment to helping Members make their money work harder.  The Mutual Bank was also named a finalist in:  Best for Flexibility (Term Deposits)  Best Low Rate Credit Card (Customer-Owned Bank)  Excellent Rates & Fees (Customer-Owned Bank)  Outstanding Customer Service (Credit Cards)  Outstanding Customer Service (Savings Accounts)  The customer service finalist nominations are particularly significant for The Mutual Bank, recognising excellence across both Savings Accounts and Credit Cards. The recognition reflects the bank's ongoing investment in personalised service, local expertise and meaningful Member relationships.  The Mutual Bank CEO Mark Williams said the results demonstrate the bank's commitment to delivering both competitive products and exceptional member experiences.  "We're incredibly proud to receive this recognition from WeMoney, particularly at a time when Australians are looking not only for competitive products, but a banking experience they can trust.  "While winning Term Deposit Account of the Year for a second consecutive year is a fantastic achievement, being named a finalist in two Outstanding Customer Service categories is equally meaningful.  "We're particularly pleased to receive this recognition while many Australians are focused on building their savings and financial security. This award reinforces that our term deposit offering continues to provide outstanding value for Members.  "As a customer-owned bank, service isn't something we see as a department. It's part of every interaction, every conversation and every decision we make for our Members. These recognitions reflect the dedication of our people and their commitment to helping people thrive."  Matthew Ikin, Executive General Manager at WeMoney, said The Mutual Bank's continued success demonstrates its leadership within the customer-owned banking sector.  "These back-to-back wins cement The Mutual's position as a true market leader."  WeMoney now reaches more than 1.4 million Australians, with 93% of its audience made up of Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The awards help consumers identify financial institutions delivering exceptional value and service, while providing winners such as The Mutual Bank with valuable credibility among younger Australians choosing who they bank with.  Since 1888, The Mutual Bank has been helping people thrive through competitive products, personalised service and meaningful community support. This latest recognition reflects the strength of a banking model built around people, not shareholders.  Awards and ratings are one factor consumers may consider when choosing a financial product and should not be relied on as the sole basis for a decision.