Mildura Mayor Cr Glenn Milne and key members of the local business community welcomed Bankwest to Mildura on Thursday night at the official opening of the first Bankwest Business Banking Centre in the region.
Bankwest Regional Manager Colin Clark said Mildura was not immune to the economic downturn but Bankwest had confidence in the region that supported agriculture, horticulture and retail industries.
"Mildura is a strong community that will weather this financial downturn," Mr Clark said. "Government investment in the region like the Solar Systems plant near Mildura will encourage growth and bring opportunities to the region."
"The Mildura region is important to Bankwest and that's why we've opened a dedicated Business Banking Centre offering specialist rural and regional financial products and services."
Mr Clark said Bankwest had listened to feedback from businesses in many different areas and identified a clear need for specialised banking services across various industry sectors.
"We know the region and our 110 year history as an agricultural bank in Western Australia, gives us solid experience in rural and regional matters."
Mildura Mayor Cr Glenn Milne cut the official ribbon at the opening and said the dedicated Bankwest Business Banking Centre was a vote of confidence for the area's economic development.
"It's great to see Bankwest bringing new competition into Mildura and investing in the region. Bankwest sees the inherent opportunities within our business sector and locals will benefit from the new competition and additional deals and services," Mr Milne said.
Bankwest is focused on driving competition and change in the banking industry.
"We have made a significant investment in our future here in Mildura. We have a modern business bank premises with the latest technology and systems and, more importantly, we have recruited the very best bankers in the local area," Mr Clark said.
Bankwest has 6 Rural and Regional centres in Victoria including Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton, Warrnambool and Traralgon.
