Our History

Our history

In 2024, we celebrated our diamond jubilee, a milestone that honours decades of growth, community service and shared achievements.

A message from our CEO

Sixty years ago, we embarked on a journey that went beyond banking, shaped by community, resilience, and shared purpose.

In 2024, we celebrated our 60th anniversary and the legacy we built together. Summerland Bank became more than a financial institution; it grew into an integral part of our region.

From the hinterlands to the coast, we supported families, farmers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers. We faced challenges bravely and emerged stronger. Our commitment to social and environmental responsibility remained a core value, guiding our decisions. As we looked back, we honoured those who laid our foundation.

Reaching this milestone reinforced our commitment to delivering better banking and stronger communities. We continued to innovate, serve with passion, and keep our vision forward — setting the stage for an even more remarkable future.

Together, we celebrated our community spirit and continued sharing our stories and kindness.

Chief Executive Officer: John Williams.

Landmark events

Take a look at how far we’ve come together.

2024. Rebuilt our flagship branch in Lismore

Rebuilt our Lismore flagship branch after the devastating 2022 floods. The rebuild was designed and built with cutting edge flood resistant products.

2023. Summerland Bank

Changed our name to Summerland Bank, ushering in a new, braver era of banking - one still owned by customers, operated by locals, and driven by purpose.

2023. B Corp Certified!

Became B Corp accredited, further validating our efforts to be a sustainable and ethical business.

2021. Hit $1 billion dollars in assets & Employer of the year!

A big year for Summerland hitting $1 billion dollars in assets and receiving Kincentric Employer of the Year along with a new branch in The Pines at Elanora.

2019. John Williams appointed new CEO

After an incredible 20 years at Summerland, Margot Sweeny retired and John Williams stepped into the role on 29 July 2019.

2017. Lismore award winners

The Lismore branch proudly won the ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Employer of Choice’ awards at the Lismore Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards.

2014. Summerland’s 50th anniversary

Celebrated our 50 years anniversary on 13 July 2014 and announced our position on fossil fuel mining in Australia. We took out the ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ for NSW Business.

2011. Award winners + presence in QLD

The Casino branch took out the 'Professional Services' Award at the Casino Chamber of Commerce. We moved our Tweed branch to Coolangatta.

2007. Merged with two Credit Unions

Joined forces with First Pacific Credit Union and Queensland Community Credit Union to further strengthen our position in the Northern Rivers.

2002-2003 awards

Proud winners of the 'Golden Glynn Award' for Most Outstanding Business 2002 and 'Employer of the Year' at the NSW Training Awards.

2000. Ocean Shores + Evans Head open

Opened branches in Ocean Shores and Evans Head. Ocean Shores was opened by former Prime Minister, John Howard.

1999. Margot Sweeny commenced as CEO

Margot Sweeny commences her appointment as CEO, taking the reigns from Ross Murray.

1996. Expansion + 15,000 members

Established ATMs in Lennox, Kyogle, Casino, Ballina Fair, Kingscliff, and Southern Cross University. A new branch at Alstonville branch was established.

1993. 10,000 members!

Established a bigger presence in Nimbin by staffing the newsagency with a Summerland staff member and reached 10,000 customers.

1991. Moved to Ballina

Opened a new branch in River Street Ballina in December 1991.

1982. The Summerland Credit Union is formed

Amalgamation of NORCO Co-Op. (Summerland) and North Coast Local Authorities amalgamate to form The Summerland Credit Union Ltd. On 1 July 1982.

1977. Name change

Changed our name to North Coast Local Authorities Credit Union.

1975. New head office

Purchased the current head office in Molesworth Street, Lismore.

1964. Our beginning

Established in 1964, embodying the spirit of customer owned banking.