Owning and managing his business in Penrith has turned out to be more rewarding than Anthony Walker ever anticipated or dreamed possible.
“To be able to work locally after living in the area for almost 40 years has been a dream come true in itself,” said the boss of the Bank of Queensland branch, in Station Street.
“I can’t say for a minute that I’ve missed the daily commute into the [the Sydney CBD] that I was doing for more than a decade to pursue my banking career,” he said.
So when the opportunity arose to bring back a local bank after two major banks closed their doors in Emu Plains, it didn’t take me too long to take the plunge.”
Mr Walker opened the Penrith branch of the bank in 2005 with no customers and three staff, including himself.
“I’m thrilled to say that I now have approximately 6,000 happy customers, 10 staff members and total footings [assets] of approximately $300 million,” he said
“In this industry, [that’s] not a bad effort. I’m told from my state manager that BOQ Penrith is considered one of the bank’s flagship branches, as we out-perform a myriad of our constituents interstate, including many Queensland branches, which have been established for a longer time than the Penrith branch.
“I’m really proud of what my team and I have been able to achieve in seven years.” Mr Walker said that without the support of the Penrith community taking a chance on an entirely new way of banking he would have had to shut the doors a long time ago.
“I was fortunate that the Penrith community has given me a chance and has helped to create a solid local business, create jobs for locals and also given me the opportunity to make the most of living and working in Penrith, enjoying the lifestyle that it offers."
Mr Walker was speaking at the launch of the Penrith is Here brand by Premier Barry O’Farrell, at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. Mr O’Farrell complimented council on its initiative to attract business, tourism and jobs to the area.
“The brand is creating economic growth for the future,” said Mayor Greg Davies. “The new brand would position Penrith to business and investors as the “new west”, creating jobs for local people.”
He said nearly 66 per cent of the resident workforce left Penrith everyday to work elsewhere. Anthony Walker is doing his bit to stem the exodus.
