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Almost a third of Australian veterans who have served our nation return home to face severe hardship, isolation, and mental health challenges. That’s a startling statistic from Taskforce Veteran, an organisation dedicated to empowering Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans. When the organisation reached out to see if we could help, our Chief Digital and Technology Officer Josh Hessel had the perfect project. The Mutual Bank donated 20 refurbished computers and associated equipment for Taskforce Veteran to pass on to veterans and to use in its Cessnock Houses project which aims to address veteran homelessness by offering free crisis accommodation. "We are so proud to support Taskforce Veteran through this donation as it aligns perfectly with our values and our sponsorship initiatives which aim to make a positive impact in our community,” said Josh. “We believe in giving back to the community and supporting organisations that share our values, and we could not be more pleased this equipment will get a new lease on life by really helping these veterans and their families.” Brett Wild, Chairman of Taskforce Veteran, shared his gratitude for the donation. "This donation from The Mutual Bank means a great deal to us,” he said. “We are passionate about creating a brighter future for Australia’s veterans by fostering connection and offering safe, inclusive spaces for ADF members. “These computers will significantly enhance our ability to provide tangible support to veterans and their families. The computers will mean the veterans can stay socially connected, look for work and apply for jobs, upskill and access support services. “We are incredibly thankful for The Mutual Bank’s generosity and commitment to our cause." Taskforce Veteran’s initiatives help reduce isolation, restore self-worth, and actively promote mental well-being among the veteran community. The organisation also advocates for veterans, raising public awareness about their unique challenges and significant contributions to Australia's history. Taskforce Veteran's programs include community education and advocacy, creating collaborative environments, and preserving Australian military history. Their initiatives, such as the Scheyville Project and the Military Armoured Restoration Society (MARS), play a vital role in linking veterans, communities, and military history. You can learn more about their important work including the Cessnock Houses Project, here.

The Mutual Bank is excited to announce its continued sponsorship of the High School Teams Challenge in the lead up to Newcastle Surfest. The teams challenge taking place on Thursday, 8 May and Friday, 9 May 2025 at South Bar Beach and draws talented young surfers from across the state. Open exclusively to NSW high schools, the competition features both boys’ and girls’ divisions, with teams of up to five surfers. The event provides a fantastic platform for young surfers to showcase their skills and teamwork – all at the start of the internationally renowned Surfest competition to be held in June. Surfest sees some of the world’s best up-and-coming surfers descend on the iconic surf break of Merewether in Newcastle as they look to qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour (CT) as Newcastle hosts the first event of the 2025 WSL Challenger Series. Matthew Dunnill, Chief Member Officer at The Mutual Bank, said the teams challenge surfing event was always a highlight on the Hunter-based bank’s sponsorship calendar. “The Mutual Bank High School Teams Challenge is a great opportunity for young surfers to gain invaluable experience and demonstrate their talent,” he said “We are proud to support an event that aligns with our commitment to helping people thrive.” There is no entry fee for the event and prizes will be awarded to schools that reach the final, with the format to include two non-elimination rounds before the knockout rounds begin. Each team can have a maximum of 5 surfers with only 3 surfers competing in each heat. Surfest is the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing together amateur and professional surfers for 17 days of thrilling competition.

Alongside our commitment to local sport, The Mutual Bank has partnered with high profile professional rugby league players Hannah and Jesse Southwell. The Southwell sisters, born and raised in the Hunter, who played their junior rugby league with the Kotara Bears, are both contracted to the Newcastle Knights for the next five years. Hannah is a NSW and Australian rugby league representative and has also represented Australia in rugby sevens as well as playing elite-level soccer. Jesse collected a Commonwealth Games gold medal in rugby sevens before switching codes to rugby league and was named the NRLW Rookie of the Year in 2022. Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said the partnership with the Southwell siblings is in addition to our earlier announcement of a partnership with Newcastle Knights player Sheridan Gallagher and aims to contribute to the momentum of raising the profile of women’s sport. “The Hunter really got behind The Matilda’s during their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign and that was tremendous to see,” he said. “Women’s rugby league is an emerging sport with increasing participation and profile, and the back-to back premiership wins by the Newcastle Knights Women has certainly lifted the profile even more.” The Mutual Bank will run a campaign featuring some of the homegrown talent that we support, from grassroots clubs to stars, in sports from netball to triathlon and various codes of football. As a member-owned bank, our profits don’t go into the pockets of shareholders, but rather are invested back into better products and services and sponsorship of community organisations and initiatives. “We are excited to be supporting through sponsorship, the Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club’s first women’s team in the Newcastle Rugby league competition,” said Matthew. “That’s alongside our long-standing sponsorship of Maitland and District Netball Association and sponsorship of Maitland Touch Football Association, Maitland Triathlon Club and Maitland Football Club.” Keep an eye on our social media channels to see more of Hannah, Jesse and Sheridan along with the local community organisations backed by The Mutual Bank.